Sr. Elizabeth Kammerer, 86, Dayton, died June 15, 2014, at Maria Joseph Center, Dayton.

She was born May 2, 1926, in Norwood, to William and Clara Nierman Kammerer.

Surviving are a sister, Lois (Raymond) Wall, Plymouth, Mich., and a sister-in-law, Augusta Kammerer, Dublin.

Two siblings, William Kammerer Jr. and Sr. Dorothy Kammerer, are deceased.

On Aug. 12, 1945, she formally entered the congregation of the Sisters of the Precious Blood at the age of 19. She initially was known as Sister M. Germaine before returning to her baptismal name.

"Her God comes first in her life," a friend said, and it was her closeness to God in prayer that enabled her to face difficulties and challenges with prudence and effective discernment.

An educator for 23 years, she taught grades 4-8 in Mesa, Ariz., San Luis Rey, Calif., and Falls Church, Va. She served as principal the last seven years before being appointed southern regional superior from 1966-1971. Following two terms, she entered the field of pastoral ministry in Detroit, Mich. Seven years later, Archbishop Joseph Bernardin invited her to serve as vicar for religious in the Cincinnati archdiocese. Following a six-year term, she served at the congregation's retreat center and shrine in Maria Stein, where she joined the retreat team and later assisted in fund development and gave spiritual direction. She retired in 2005 at Salem Heights in Dayton and moved to the Maria Joseph Center earlier this year due to failing health.

Services were today at the center's chapel. Burial was to follow at Salem Heights Cemetery.