Sister Cristoforis Deneke was born in Germany on November 1, 1905, in the small town of Montabauer, Westerwald. In 1995, she passed away after a productive and extraordinary life.

In 1939, Sister Cristóforis came to Peru as a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She was quickly put in charge of organizing the Escuela de Enfermeras de la Caja Nacional del Seguro Social, which required her involvement in both the administration and educational management of the school. With her efforts, the school was transformed into an academic example in both Peru and throughout Latin America. She worked to make her motto “Servir a la Vida” (Serve life) a reality, a motto which continues to inspire the work of ISDEN today.

In 1964, Sister Cristóforis was asked to establish the Nursing Department of Universidad Católica Santa María in Arequipa. Because of her work there, she became known both nationally and internationally for high-level education that develops the ethical, moral, and spiritual sides of the health service professional.

Sister Cristóforis was characterized by having a courageous, creative, perseverant, and determined spirit.