Sister André Nilles, CSJ
May 6, 1926 ~ March 7, 2008

Helen Therese Nilles (Sister André) was born in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, daughter of
Bernard and Vigil Nilles. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph September 8, 1948

André is recognized for many things but most especially for her teaching of social
studies at Derham Hall High School and Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Margaret’s
Academy, and Holy Redeemer. Her former students say that she was their best
teacher and that they have not forgotten what they learned from her. They would
say, “I want to be like her.” Her colleagues have commented: “She’s brilliant. A
passionate teacher. She brings her curiosity about the world to her teaching.”
An MA from Marquette, further study at the University of Hawaii and in Japan, an
MA in theology from the College of St. Catherine, certification for spiritual direction,
and the unforgettable trip on the Nostalgic Oriental Express from Beijing,
China to St. Petersburg, Russia are all part of the background that André brought
to her many involvements. For many years she was a member of the St. Paul Province Government Committee and is remembered for her vision as the Committee looked to the
future. She could move a group discussion forward, sometimes as devil’s advocate,
and final action often depended on her wisdom.

The College of St. Catherine was a large part of André’s life, with 2008 marking
her 60 years as an alumna. She served as a member of St. Kate’s Board of Trustees
and scholarships for CSC students have been established in the Nilles name.
André is survived by a brother-in-law in California, nephews and a niece, and the
Sisters of St. Joseph.