Renee was born in Le Mars, Iowa, on February 27, 1942. The younger of two daughters born to Arthur George Bauerly and Eva Kathryn Sullivan. Renee died on April 19, 2026. She is predeceased by her parents, and sister Karen, and nephew Michael. Survived by her two nieces, Renee Savage and Barbara Beainy.
The Bauerly family moved to California and Renee grew up in Downey. She graduated from Pius X High School and some years later entered the Daughters of Mary and Joseph. She professed her First Vows in 1967. While in the Novitiate, her creative skills became known and she studied Art for a few years. She loved to work with rocks and soil and soon Renee spent many hours designing gardens in Cherry Valley and Palos Verdes. Renee was a gentle, kind and compassionate presence, blessed with many talents which she generously shared for 55 years of ministry in Los Angeles and 5 years in Burundi, Africa. Her dominant talent resided in her hands. Her potter’s creations reflect her contemplative spirit. As a landscape artist, she has left a legacy of peace and beauty in our gardens at Mary and Joseph Retreat Center, Rancho Palos Verdes. Numerous retreatants and others will always remember her healing hands as a Massage Therapist.
In 1982, Renee joined the DMJ staff at a rehabilitation center for physically -challenged children in Burundi, Africa. ‘To those children, she was not only a missionary; she was warmth on difficult days, a voice that said you matter, and hands that proved it. She saw in every child not a condition or a limitation, but a soul full of dignity and worth loving completely.” That comment from a colleague captures Renee’s whole character and her approach to whomever she ministered. Sadly, her time in Burundi was cut short by political strife and her visa was not renewed. However, Renee moved on to Uganda where she began immediately to find projects to express her artistic soul. She dedicated her time and energy to redesigning two chapels. Her love and respect for Earth found expression in her use of local materials to transform small rooms into serene and prayerful spaces. Renee will be deeply missed by her Community, family and friends.
The Daughters of Mary and Joseph are very grateful to the caring staff at Marian Residence, St. John of God Care Center and the doctors and nurses in ICU, Ronald Reagan Hospital, Westwood. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on May 11th at 11:00 in Mortuary Chapel, Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City. Memorials in Sister’s name may be made to Daughters of Mary and Joseph Retirement Fund, 5300 Crest Rd., Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275-5004.