Politics Cited in Transfer of Nun, 75, to Nebraska : Community: The sister worked in Commerce 26 years. Some residents contend her activism prompted the change. But church officials say such moves are ‘a way of life.’

A nun who worked tirelessly for 26 years in the community--mixing traditional service with secular political activism--has been transferred to Nebraska, leaving many residents lamenting her loss.

“The people of Commerce are like family to me,” Sister Valeria Foltz, 75, said recently while packing up at her modest apartment in a senior citizens’ complex. “But as a missionary, I have to move on.”

The sadness that many felt at her leaving was tinged by concern that Foltz’s activism prompted the transfer.

In addition to ministering to the sick and feeding the homeless, Foltz has helped lead the fight against a controversial waste transfer facility and been active in other city issues.

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“We think they are putting a heavy hand on her because she goes to too many council meetings,” said Julia Quinteros, 65, whose children were taught catechism by Foltz.

“This was politically activated to dislodge our efforts in the community,” said Anthony Jude Thorpe, a one-time City Council candidate and leader of a group that Foltz and he helped form called Concerned Residents of Commerce.

The group, which has about 10 core members, has also lobbied the city to increase the number of buses serving schoolchildren and has opposed the opening of an adult bookstore.

Foltz’s religious superiors at Our Lady Victory Missionary Sisters say the transfer this month had nothing to do with her activism.

“As missionaries, we realize our work is never done,” said Sister Lucy Regalado from the Indiana headquarters of the Catholic order, which was founded in 1922. “Being called to other places is a way of life.”

Foltz said she had hoped to stay in Commerce two more years.

“I want to stay here until I finish my work,” Foltz said. “But there’s nothing I can do but go.”

She was transferred in the middle of Concerned Residents’ fight against plans to build a $40-million recycling and waste transfer station known as Rail-Cycle.

The project, which received unanimous City Council approval, would transport municipal trash by train to landfills in outlying regions.

Foltz’s group raised questions about the potential for traffic congestion, air pollution and health hazards. Although most of the group’s concerns were met after an extensive public hearing process, the group still opposes the project, scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.

“She has been one of the leaders and she has given so much to the city. But the council didn’t always rule in her favor,” said Mayor Artemio E. Navarro, who disagreed with Foltz on the waste transfer station.

Foltz said she will continue to help the poor and others in need in the tiny Latino farming town of Madison, Neb.

As a nun for 55 years, Foltz has worked in nine communities across the country. In Commerce, Foltz taught catechism at St. Marecellinus parish until retiring from teaching in 1989.

She was a youth counselor, tackling issues such as teen pregnancy and drug abuse. One of the youths she taught entered the priesthood, and two became nuns.

“It’s difficult for us lay people to accept her leaving,” said Lynda Paxton, an environmental activist. “If we find someone who is going to run our errands and do our mission, it’s hard to give that person up.”