Sister Vivian Bierschbach, 96, died peacefully on September 2, 2001, at Prairie Lakes Care Center in Watertown.

Dorothy Frances Bierschbach was born on a farm near Webster, South Dakota on March 5, 1905. Her parents were Anton and Gertrude (Casper) Bierschbach. The second youngest of seven children, Sister attended St Otto's Catholic School. After graduating from the public high school in Webster, she taught in a country school for one year. On December 28, 1925, Sister Vivian entered Sacred Heart Convent in Yankton.

Following her monastic profession, Sister Vivian attended St Mary's College in Notre Dame, Indiana, earning a B.S. degree in Home Economics and General Science. She returned to Yankton where she began her teaching career at Mount Marty High School and Junior College from 1931-39 and again from 1943-1957. From 1936-1939, Sister Vivian was acting principal at Mount Marty, and in 1943 she was appointed business manager at Sacred Heart Convent in addition to her teaching duties. She taught also in Richardton, ND and York, NE.

In 1958, Sister Vivian entered St Louis University, earning a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration. When her sister, Sister Rose Marie Bierschbach, was elected Prioress of the newly-founded Mother of God Monastery. Sister Vivian succeeded her  as Administrator of St Mary's Hospital in Pierre from 1960-1965, Sister Vivian was appointed business manager and treasurer of the monastery. When the Sisters decided to move their motherhouse to Watertown, it was Sister Vivian who was asked to oversee the building project on what was then known as Carpenter Hill. Sister Vivian continued to serve as Business Manager and Treasurer of the monastery and Harmony High School until 1980. She ministered one year in Polo, SD and one year in Hoven, SD before returning to the monastery where she assisted in a variety of ministries. Sister Vivian will be remembered for her delightful sense of humor and her many contributions to the growth and well-being of Mother of God Monastery

Sister Vivian is survived by her Sisters of Mother of God Monastery and many nieces and nephews.