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IHM Memories

 

 


Share Your Memory

Do you have a special memory of an IHM Sister or school? If so, you can share it with us here. Share your memory and we'll post it here on our Memories page.

If you'd like to contact a sister or associate via e-mail, just fill out this contact form and we'll be happy to forward your message.

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Here are some special memories others have written.

Name: Dorothy (Marciana) Joyce, IHM
School: St. Rene (Chicago)        Year: 1974
Memory:
Just wanted to offer our deepest sympathy upon the passing of Sister Dorothy Joyce! It was great seeing her at the St. Rene Reunion! I have a picture of her playing tennis on our eighth grade class picnic in 1974! I work as a statistician for the U.S. Government and I use the math that Sister Dorothy hammered into my head in seventh and eighth grade! She even stayed after school to help me get percentage calculations straight! College helped, but Sister Dorothy's teaching enables me to do my job! May she rest in Peace! God bless you all! Our love to Sister Regina Fanning, also! 
Submitted by: Barbara (Balaskas) and John Fox

Name: Sister Regina Mary Affholter   
School: Our Lady of the Rosary (Detroit)
Memory: I remember Sister Regina Mary at Holy Rosary School in Detroit. My wife and I went to see her at Holy Redeemer also. She was my 5th or 6th grade teacher. She could throw a football so far that we all thought she should play for the Lions. Please tell sister that I will be praying for her. She made a huge impression on my life and I thank her for that.
Submitted by: Ray Bell

Name: Sister Christine Marie (Christine Gellings)    
School: St. John (Monroe, Mich.)
Memory: A very kind and loving woman, good teacher, but strict. Just a great and holy woman.
Submitted by: Greg DuShane
Note: Sister Christine is a psychotherapist and spiritual director in North Carolina

Name: Sister Vera Louisa (Rita Anne) Price    
School: St. Gregory (Detroit)
Memory: She was my first grade teacher. I can still see her to this day. It is too bad all the parish Catholic schools closed.
Submitted by: Annette Quillan
Note: Sister Rita Anne Price died Oct. 8, 1977.

Name: Sister Clare Elizabeth                         Year: 1967
School: St. Cecilia (Detroit)
Memory: St. Cecilia was an excellent place of learning in many ways. St. C's encompassed a holistic approach to education which at the time they probably didn't even know. I grew in my faith, knowledge of self as well as my vocation in life. I am forever grateful to so many of the women who dedicated their lives to serve with the IHM Sisters. They were and are an excellent religious community. My hope is that younger women will see and appreciate the charisma this community holds.
Submitted by: Fr. Marv Knighton
Note: Sister Clare Elizabeth (Elizabeth Catherine Lemmer) taught at St. Cecilia 1965-1969. She died in 1995.

Name: All the sisters at CKS                         Year: 1957
School: Christ the King (Detroit)
Memory: There's a line from a song that says, "Youth is wasted on the young." I have so many fond memories of my days at CKS and the nuns that endured my immaturity. Wish I could do it all over again and do it right this time. God bless the survivors and God be with the rest.
Submitted by: Paul Gibson

Name: Sister Mary (Coronata) Laubacher, IHM     Year: 1960
School: St. Stephen (Port Huron, Mich.)
Memory:
Sister Coronata was my mentor, friend, and role model. When I was looking for a summer job after my freshman year of college, she took me on as her school secretary. When I finished college and suddenly had a change of plans and needed a teaching position, she found me one almost overnight. I've always thought of her as my ideal role model for all the years that I taught high school English.
Submitted by: Ann Murray

Name: Sister Nora Marie Duggan, IHM     Year: 1957
School: St. Monica (Mobile, Ala.)

Memory: Congratulations on your 60th Anniversary as an IHM nun. You were one of my favorites at St. Monica in Mobile, Ala. You taught me in grades two and three. I have some wonderful pictures and would love to download them to this website. One of our second-grade class, which was a combined class of second-graders and third-graders. I also have one of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new church in 1959 with Bishop Toolen, Fr. Sherman and Fr. Kerwin. I often wonder how all of you beautiful nuns from Detroit were able to tolerate the hot and humid climate of Mobile, Ala. - especially wearing the full habit. God bless you all for the great education and the fond memories.
Submitted by: Betty Sue Mayes (Burns)

Name: Sister Elma Leonora (Mary Vincent) Corice   Year: 1960   
School:
Holy Cross (Marine City, Mich.)
Memory: For all of my high school career (1956-60), Sister Mary Vincent was the 12th grade home room teacher and taught chemistry, physics, drafting and science. The boys in school had given her the nickname "Big Vince." She had 11 older brothers and had no problem handling boys. She had also learned mechanics from her brothers and was adept at helping boys with their automotive problems. She was much loved and, in earning her nickname, respected by all. Sister was an excellent teacher and easy to approach. In our small school (164 students) she was a universal and pleasant presence. I miss her.
Submitted by: John Kelly
Note: Sister Mary Vincent taught at Holy Cross from 1956-62. She died in 1982.

Name: Paula Cathcart                                 Year: 1970
School: Our Lady Queen of Hope (Detroit)
Memory: I posted my 8th grade picture on Facebook and we were all remembering Sister Paula. Thanks for your gift of knowledge. And you haven't changed, I just looked at a recent picture.
Submitted by: Rick Hofmann

Name: Sister Marie Padua                                            Year: 1965      
School:
Santa Teresita (Santurce, P.R.)
Memory: Sister Marie Padua inspired me to become a teacher. She was one of the few teachers I ever had that seemed to care about me personally. She was compassionate, understanding, patient, and a good listener. Although math was not my favorite subject, I strived to achieve in her class as I did not want to disappoint her after all she had done for me. She had a significant impact on my life - I vowed I would be there for kids when I became a teacher. I have kept that promise; this is my 41 year in education.
Submitted by: Ines Colom Ragland

School: Hall of the Divine Child (Monroe, Mich.)                  Year: 1972
Memory: To all the sisters who were at the Hall Of The Divine Child school for boys: you can never put into words or explain, what you have done. From 1913 -1980, you became our mother,father, teacher, etc., teaching us God, truth, honor, respect. I love you all. I am sure you don't miss it, LOL, but I really really do. I have made contact with some of my classmates and other cadets from other years and some are so touched they even break down and cry for the great memories! Thank you and God bless you all. 
Submitted by: Cadet Greg Walden

Name: Sister Davidica Cronin, IHM (10/13/09 - 6/29/07)      Year: Mid-1930s
School: St. Agnes (Detroit)                                          
Memory:  (This is an excerpt from a Remembering written by Kenneth Crawford which was read at his own funeral recently. The family requested that this portion be included here.) ...One more note about St. Agnes School. One of our IHM teachers was a Sister Davidica. I always liked her. She was a good teacher - not one to throw chalk or apply the ruler to misbehavers. She had a technique that was much worse to get the discipline she wanted.

She would talk! Never raising her voice for one moment, she would quietly discuss the problem in a manner that left the wrong-doer swearing that the error would never again happen. I recall that some of the tougher kids in the class would go into the cloak room with her and come out ten minutes later literally in tears. And she never raised her voice. I thought a lot of her.

Name: All                                                                      Year: 1961
School: St. Mary (Akron, Ohio)
Memory:  My four years at St. Mary's were among the most important in my life. You beautiful souls took a lost girl and helped her see talents and strengths she had no idea she possessed. Although I've left the church, your core values of love, honesty and the value of education have stood me in good stead. Looking back on the past 40+ years, I realize the debt I owe. Thank you for providing me with the tools to live a good life. Your support during a painful adolescence helped me grow a backbone I still rely on. Thank you.
Submitted by: Susan Vegso Korycan

Name: Sister Patricia M. (Generosa) O'Donnell, IHM                Year: 1957-65
School: Annunciation (Detroit)
Memory: I attended Annunciation from first grade (1957) through eighth grade (1965). Although Sister Generosa was not my teacher, I loved her very much. I was AAA service girl for her class and took care of the class at lunch. I do not remember the holiday, but I gave her a card. I misspelled her name on the envelope. I had it addressed to "Sister Gena Rosa." Back then everyone was sure that I would join the IHM order, and Sister Generosa told my mother that my religious name had been chosen - Sister Gena Rosa! I have thought of Sister Generosa many times through the years. I was saddned to hear of her passing, but I know that she is with God. Sister Generosa, I will continue to keep you in my heart as I have through the years, and I will remember you in my prayers.
Submitted by: Bernadine Harper

Name: Sister Nila Neill, IHM                                               Year: 1953
School: St. Felicitas (Chicago)
Memory: Excerpt from my book, Southside Kid: September is here and this means just one thing to a kid - school! Maybe it was the ittle pewter statue of Jesus in his beautiful red robe, I don't know. We had a special day at school last year. We were allowed to bring money for the purchase of "holy items." My attention was immediately drawn to this particular statue. With Jesus in plain view, I said many prayers over the summer. Somehow, my prayers have been answered. I will be in a split class this year. We'll be sharing a classroom with third graders. Our nun will be Saint Nila. Oops, I mean Sister Nila. Incredible, absolutely incredible! I'm entering this school year with much less anxiety. I feel that I will do real well with Sister Nila mentoring me again. I like the split class deal, too. Now I can be an upper classman right in my own room. And from my book, Heaven Bound in the Dead of Winter: Special thanks Sisters of Saint Felicitas (Immaculate Heart of Mary). You taught me faith, hope, self respect. You challenged me. Your dedicated patience has instilled unlimited inspiration. Sister Nila Neill - No finer nun have I known.
Submitted by: Curt Erler
Note: Sister Nila Neill is retired and lives at the Motherhouse in Monroe.

Name: Sister Mary Simeon (Gladys Teresia Marie Krantz), IHM          Year: 1961
School: Our Lady of Lourdes (River Rouge, Mich.)
Memory:
As very young girls, my friend Michele McCabe and I were the grocery girls for a very special nun named Sr. Mary Simeon. It was a opportunity that would impact the rest of our lives and our family's lives, even some 50 years later. We always felt of her as a living saint. Sister was the most Christ-like person you could ever be around. Years later she and my mother became best friends and spent many wonderful times visiting. Sister would always be ready to pray for and over you if she felt you were in need of anything. My sister Arlene believes she received a healing of a throat tumor when sister placed her hands on her throat as she prayed. This is only one of many blessing my family received over the years. I feel I could write a book about her and of all the blessings she has touched us with. Over the years my family received many letters from her and have saved them in hope somehow they may be useful to others as they are very spiritual and uplifting.
Submitted: Angelia Bodrie
Note: Sister Mary Simeon died March 29, 1991

Name: Sister Agatha (Eugenia Agnes) Harasimowicz, IHM       Year: 1965
School: 
 Immaculata High School     (Detroit)
Memory: 
I was honored when Sister Agatha called when she visited Notre Dame for a semester. She played with my daughter, sat on my couch, and was a regular person! She tried to teach Latin to (what we know now) was a learning-disabled student (me) and was having quite a time. I just couldn't memorize the declensions! Since I truly did study, I found that if you translated the Latin into English using just vocabulary, the paragraph made sense. Caesar was always "bella-ing" somebody. I became the school's national Latin award winner. Sister asked me with a glint in her eye, "Kathy, did you cheat?" I appreciated her.
Submitted by: Kathleen Poirier-Maledon
Note: Sister Agatha died Nov. 28, 1993.

Name: All Sisters                                                          Year:  1967
School:  St. Rene       (Chicago)
Memory: The teachers and IHM Sisters were so filled with joy and engaged in teaching and letting us grow.
Submitted by: Thomas Brady

Name: Sister Theodine, IHM                                           Year:  1942
School:  St. Matthew (Detroit)
Memory: Sister Theodine (Eleanor Henning) is the nun who really taught me how to pray and talk with Jesus, and have Jesus be my friend. It didn't help with my behavior very much as I still did a lot of wiggling around when I was supposed to be sitting perfectly still. We received two basic sacraments that year: first communion and with that first confession. Towards the end of the school year when we were about to make first communion, sister called my mother crying, "Tommy is going to ruin the entire communion class. I don't know what to do with him. Please talk to him and ask him to sit still and be quiet in church." And I guess I did behave and her efforts paid off.
Submitted by: Thomas McKenzie
Note: Sister Eleanor (Theodine) Henning, IHM taught at St. Matthew-Detroit from 1936-47. She died Dec. 20, 2002.

Name: James Marie, IHM                                              Year:  1964
School:  St. Monica (Mobile, Ala.)
Memory: The Christmas season/music always reminds me of St. Monica's and being in the choir. For someone as timid as I was in those days, Sister James Marie made choir fun and it actally gave a terrified little girl courage, and a little confidence in herself. I think of Sister James Marie often and hope she is well. Merry Christmas!
Submitted by: Sheila (DeSorbo) Yost
Note - Sister James Marie is Sister Therese Kearney, IHM.

Name: Donna Marie Schroeder, IHM                              Year:  1981
School:  St. Mary (Monroe, Mich.)
Memory: Sister Donna Marie was the directress on the third floor during my senior year at SMA. She always had a way of remaining centered even in the midst of the chaos produced by teenagers in angst. It wasn't until my grandfather died that I understood her gift for touching a person's heart. I remember like it was yesterday how she softly spoke the most beautiful words with great clarity of faith. Ever ince that day I looked at her with the eyes she helped to transform. It is sisters like her who have inspired the great affection I have always felt towards the IHM community. I hold them dear in my heart and it will never diminish.
Submitted by: Colleen Bellini

Name: All Sisters                                                    Year:  1964-67
School:  St. John Vianney (Highland Park, Mich.)
Memory: Sisters Angelora, Doris, Hermes (Cecelia Campbell), Ann Christopher (Jean Booms), and Maria del Rey (Ruth Yachques-O'Neil). Forgive me for the names I have not remembered here. The angels that influenced my very faith as a wee child! They hugged you if you hurt or were crying, taught with such dedication and devotion, protected us, lead us and certainly loved us. Bless all of your hearts! Who could not love Sister Maria del Rey!!! She took students to her parents' home on Harson's Island ice skating. Our family traveled to Mt. Morris, Mich., to visit her after she had been transferred. Maria made me laugh! One day, at the age of about 8, I was running tardy for school and flew in to the hallway. The principal, Sister Hermes, met me. Something was different--her hair was showing! The IHM habit had changed, allowing the sisters to show their hair and her name had changed. She was now Sister Cecelia Campbell.
Submitted by: Kathleen Hogan
Note: Sisters Angelora Foley died 1998 and Doris Henn died 2007. Sister Cecelia Campbell is retired at the Motherhouse; Sister Jean Booms works at our Visitation North facility; and Sister Maria del Rey left the IHM in 1970.

Name: Sister Paula Marie Schloff, IHM                              Year:  1958
School:  St. Mary (Monroe, Mich.)
Memory: Sr Paula Marie had a 36" stride, hit a baseball like Mickey Mantle and TCB like no one else. Her strength lies in the approach to others, understanding the nature of the child, ready to adjust, no situation is bigger or inoble, fair and playful, stern and truthful. I have her in my thoughts as an important mentor. Sorry to hear I cannot tell her in person, in memoriam, Jan 2007. Thank you Nanette Brancheau for your memory (on page 2). Forever in the debt of IHM, where I learned how to learn.
Submitted: Sherry Neal, 1954-1958 Linda Neal. 1954-1958 1st to 4th grades Crack-the-whip on thin ice!

Name: All Sisters                                                        Year: 1978-81
School: Immaculata High School (Detroit)                          
Memory: My years at Immaculata were the most influential in my life. The sisters really cared so much for us.  Despite the stereotype regarding going to a Catholic school, these years helped to create an open and objective attitude towards other religions, people and life in general. The quality of the education enabled me to go into college ahead of the game and I still find myself relying on that part of my educational journey as it applies to theory and logic to sustain my constant love of education. Thank you to all the staff of IHS Detroit 1978-81. I will never fortget you!
Submitted by: Shawn Gatling

Name: Sister Mary Bonita, IHM                                     Year: 1963
School: St. Mary (St. Peter Parish) (Mt. Clemens, Mich.)            
Memory: As a child walking to school in the cold, dry Michigan winters, I tended to get severe chapped lips. Once, while in the 4th grade, my lower lip cracked severely, almost to the point where I would need a stitch or two. Sister Mary Bonita gave me some St. Joseph's oil and told me to apply it every morning and to pray for healing. I complied, and quickly the crack healed, much to the surprise of my mother. I have never heard of St. Joseph's oil since. God bless the sisters of the IHM.
Submitted by: Thomas Candela

Name: All Sisters                                                         Year: 1956
School: St. Gregory (Detroit)                
Memory:
Just read the featured "School of the Month." It brought back many wonderful memories of QOH. I was the Miss Beale and the staff and students helped children and families throught their hot dog lunches to raise money for the missions. Bishop Untener served as a young priest and celebrated Mass with us. He was an inspiration. Our staff was ahead of the curve in education with Sister Thomas More guiding us to "thematic" teaching in ELA. As an educator I was formed by my QOH experience and continue to pass on the wisdom of those days. The sisters are always  in my prayers.
Submitted by: Mary Lou Van Antwerp (Beale)

Name: Mary Paracleta, IHM                                          Year: 1959
School: Holy Redeemer (Detroit)            
Memory:
I have always been grateful for the wonderful education I received at Holy Redeemer High. I fondly remember all the sisters and feel very blessed to have had them as my teachers. I especially remember Sister Paracleta who inspired me to enter the convent, Sisters of St. Dominic, Grand Rapids, and even took her name. Although I didn't stay in the order, it was a growing experience that I still treasure. Sister Paracleta was probably the best and most inspiring teacher I ever had. Thanks for the memories!
Submitted by: Theresa Bondy-Gilbert

Name: Frances Gabrielle Hess, IHM                                 Year: 1990    
Memory:
I thoroughly enjoyed my classes with Sister Frances Gabrielle Hess. She taught me many things and she impacted me more than any professor has. It is always a good memory when thinking of her. She is always in my heart. Thank you, Sister, for all that you taught me.
Submitted by: Michele Jendrasik Mormando

Name: Audrey (Vinciana) Bushell, IHM                             Year: 1974
School: St. Mary of Redford (Detroit)            
Memory:
Sister Audrey is one of the most important people in my past. I still have the pictures from our art class and pictures each of the girls from my table. The memories of Her and the classes i took with her are still my most pleasant memories of all my high school days. From basic drawing to clay and other media she was an inspiration and a joy to be with. Even tho I often was not. Thank you Sister for helping make me the man I am today.
Submitted by: Rick Hoffman

Name: All IHM Sisters                                                  Year: 1968
School: Holy Redeemer (Detroit)            
Memory:
The dedicated IHM Sisters at Holy Redeemer had a profound effect on my life. I will always have fond memories of Sister Marie Angela (high school library) Mother Ann Mary, Sister Berchman, Sister Marie Carol, Sister Anne Therese (art), Sister Eucharia and too many to list here. In my senior year, I had the pleasure of knowing Sister Paula and her first year of teaching. She handled the choral class and the senior students in the class of 1968 were a challenge to her, I'm sure. I am saddened to hear the high school closed its doors. I will always be grateful that I was an altar boy through senior year, and was priveleged to serve Mass in the good sisters' chapel during the 1960s. God Bless all the IHM Sisters. You will always have my sincere respect!
Submitted by: Gregory Schwartz
Note -These sisters have all passed away. Sister Paula Anne Russell left the IHM 10/7/85 and we have no record of her whereabouts. 

Name: Sister Marie (Lawrence Mary) Markel                        Year: 1978
School: St. Gerard Majella (Kirkwood, Mo.)            
Memory: Sister Marie taught me in second grade. She was the most kind, soft spoken yet strong, person I had ever met. I was new to the school and had lost my mother three years prior. She would walk with me on the playground and help me make friends. She was a great teacher and helped me catch up with my class after a bad first grade. Most of all, with her I felt safe and loved. I have my own children now and hope that they will have the privilege of learning from someone like Sister Marie.

Submitted by: Sean Westhoff

School: Academia Santa Teresita (Santurce, Puerto Rico)      Year: 1970
Memory:
In 1970 I graduated from Academia Santa Teresita in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Soon my high school class will meet for our 40th anniversary. During the course of my lifetime I have come to realize how much I owe you. Not only as a student but also as a person and a Catholic. I disagreed in certain areas with your Sisters at AST but always admired their strength and fortitude. As I reflect upon my life, I have come to understand that your congregation has influenced many of my most important decisions. Thanks to those wonderful human beings that gave their lives to help and guide us, my life has been fruitful. May the Lord and the Virgin be with you always. Thank you for everything and to you all. Well Done!
Submitted by: Rolando Quevedo-Motta, Esq.

Name: Sister Maura Morrissey, IHM                                  Year: 1985
School: Holy Redeemer (Detroit)            
Memory: What a wonderful life! What faithful service! I taught at Holy Redeemer in the 1980s and benefitted greatly from Sister Maura's leadership and that of all of the IHM Sisters. One of the things that impressed me most was how such an effective principal could run a school out of the pockets of her sweater! Her office was nearly empty but she seemed to know each student's record, their family needs, the school budget, etc. Rest in peace, Sister Maura.
Submitted by: Dennis Deslippe

School: St. Mary Academy (Monroe, Mich.)
Memory: I was a boarder for five years, along with my three sisters. I was back for my 50th class reunion recently. It was wonderful seeing my classmates. The Academy was a great school.
Submitted by: Catherine (Kitty) Winks

Name: Sister Maura Morrissey, IHM
School: Holy Redeemer (Detroit)
Memory: I am saddened to learn of Sister Maura's death. She was my elementary and junior high school principal at Holy Redeemer in Detroit. I remember her with much love and affection. I have a very special place in my heart for all of my IHM educators.
Submitted by: Lourdes Fonseca-Nearon

Name: Sister Rose Xavier, IHM
School: St. Bede (Southfield, Mich.)
Memory:
My name is Brian Jordan & I started at St. Bede's Elementary School the Monday morning after Thanksgiving weekend, 1964. I was assigned to Sister Rose Xavier's 8th grade class. So I was only at the school less than six months before graduating on to Brother Rice High School, Birmingham, Mich. However, even to this day whenever I get together with fellow classmates from St. Bede's, Ann Therese Darin Palmer, Denyse Fox Nishio, John Tracey Tracey, Joe Young, Lou Ciaverella, Dick Furgeson, Ken Calvert, Dave Martin, Dave Kelso, Jim Luehelier, Paul "Buddy" Blaquire, et al, there are always numerous positive comments about Sister Rose Xavier & what an influence she was in and on our lives! Gosh, those were some good ol' times! We hope that she is still alive and, if so, some of us would like to go down to Monroe and see her, if possible!
Submitted by: Brian Jordan

Name: Sister Marie Dunnigan, IHM        
Memory: I worked as a CNA at SSIHM and it was wonderful. I had my heart touched by many sisters, but Sister Marie Dunigan really touched my life. She was so understanding. We used to chat all the time. She also believed in me and was extremely supportive. Even after I moved away from Monroe, we kept in touch with letters and phone calls. Sadly, she passed away. I know she was ready and she was at peace; with that, I'm at peace. I will miss her, but I'm so glad to have the wonderful memories.
Submitted by: Nikkole Rhodus

Name: Sister Mary Constance, IHM (Elaine Smith)
School: St. Cecilia (Detroit)           
Memory: Sister Mary Constance taught me for several years during junior high school from 6th thru 9th  Grade. She taught me many subjects from religion to history. In many ways she was more than a teacher - she was a mentor and friend. I looked up to her in so many ways and I loved her. She loved me as if I were her child. Her sincere interest in my well-being and spirituality was unwavering and steadfast. She encouraged my zany talents. I became a TV sitcom actress. An almost impossible accomplishment for a young African-American girl in this country even now, but certainly a seemingly impossible dream in the 60s. Because of Sister Mary Constance, I felt like I could do anything as long as I let God guide me. She had a wonderful personality, and I carry her with me on my heart for all times. My childhood name was Cherron Hoye. My screen name by which I am known by many as Ella Joyce of the hit sitcom Roc. I consider myself to be a lucky little girl because of the guidance and love I received. 
Submitted by: Ella Joyce
Note: Sister Mary Constance left the IHM in 1972.

Name: Sister Lurana (Sankovic), IHM
School: Epiphany (Detroit)           
Memory: I believe she was a very dedicated teacher and one of the only ones who made class interesting! She taught me in the 7th grade. I was not an easy student to teach and Sister Lurana made an impression that has lasted a lifetime. This was probably the only year I ever excelled in school. Of all the sisters who taught at Epiphany, I could not think of any other sister who taught there, but she has always been the one I recall easily.
Submitted by: Michael Sullivan
Note: Sister Lurana is retired at the Motherhouse.

Name: Sister Charles Boromeo (Anne Marie Hughes), IHM
School: St. Joseph (Monroe, Mich.)           
Memory: I was in the 7th grade at St. Joseph's Monroe. Sister was the most beautiful person I ever met. She was tall and looked just like Polly Bergen (the actress). I remember we had a paper drive at school and a friend and I went uptown to a furniture store. We got a huge box full of paper. When we got back to the school, Sister looked in the box and found two chairs inside! She laughed so hard but made us drag that big box all the way back to the store.
Submitted by: Toni Giamanco
Note: Sister Anne Marie Hughes is retired and living at the Motherhouse.

Name: Sister Patrice Hall, IHM                                          Year: 1953
School: St. Gregory (Detroit)           
Memory: Sister Patrice was my fourth grade teacher. She loved to have the class sing occasionally. When she led us in signing she would bounce up and down - so we would bounce with her. She also took the time to have each one of us come to her desk once a week or so for special help in whatever academic area with which we were having trouble. I remember this because there were about 60 of us in that class. She got me through math that year! I am grateful to all the IHMs I had at St. Gregory.
Submitted by: Brother William Carriere, FSC, Ph.D.
Note: Sister Patrice Hall died in 1968.

Name:
Mother Mary Frederick, IHM and Mother Joseph Mary, IHM      Year: 1963
School: St. Rose of Lima (Detroit)      
Memory: I have fond memories of Mother Mary Frederick and Mother Joseph Mary from my high school years. They were tough when they needed to be and yet kind.
Submitted by: Sharon Laubenstein
Note: Sister Mary Frederick was principal from 1954-60. She died in 2004. Sister Joseph Mary was principal from 1960-65. She died in 1965.

Name: All the sisters!                                             Year: 2009
School: Marygrove College(Detroit)      
Memory: I visited the IHM Sisters Nov. 20 and what a wonder experience I had! The sisters were very nice and shared very valuable stories with us. The IHM Motherhouse is just a wonderful place to visit and they make you feel more than welcome. I know that I'll be visiting again one day! Thanks for your kindness and sincererity, sisters.
Submitted by: DaVonna Jackson

Name: Sister James Marian, IHM                               Year: 1982
School: St. Mary Academy (Monroe, Mich.)      
Memory: Sister James Marian was my biology teacher. During Lent that year we put chicken eggs into an incubator. We watched for weeks the changes in the eggs. Sister began to wonder if they would hatch before Easter break. The last day before break, we witnessed the birth of a chick. The class was filled with wonder and amazement as we first saw the end of the beak, then a little wet feather. Sister looked at the class of young women and said "Girls, this is why abortion is wrong. There is life here." Her words have never left me.
Submitted by: Teresa (Kelley) March
Note: Sister James Marian Sarchet is retired and living at the Motherhouse.

Name: Sister Maria Theresa Magrie, IHM                          Year: 1991
School: Marian High School (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)      
Memory: Sister Maria Theresa Magrie -- my favorite teacher of all times! She has impacted my life spiritually, emotionally and musically in ways she will never know! Thank you so much.
Submitted by: Dr. D. L. Temaor

Name: Sister Margaret Ann Henige, IHM                          Year: 1972
School: Hall of Divine Child (Monroe, Mich.)      
Memory: Words will and can never explain what you and the sisters and staff at the Hall of the Divine Child have done. Since 1913-1980, it has been a mother-father-teacher in respect for God, love, honor and country and so much more to so many young boys from all types of life. I love you all.
Submitted by: Cadet Greg Walden, Class of 1972

Name: Sister Thomas Rita (Mary Catherine) Fanning, IHM    Year: 1954
School: Holy Redeemer (Detroit)      
Memory: I was in second grade at Holy Redeemer. My teacher was Sister Thomas Rita. She helped me at a time when a little guy like me needed special attention for a lot of reasons. I just love her for all that she did.
Submitted by: Anthony Casillas
Note: Sister Thomas Rita left the congregation in 1970.

Name: Sister Eileen (Agnesine) Shaw, IHM, Sister Mary Anne (David Michael) Bilgen, IHM 
     and Sister Carola (Frances Jane) Keffler, IHM                 Year: 1981
School: Holy Name (Birminghan, Mich.)      
Memory: I remember when Sister Eileen got sick. We prayed for her every day and then we found out that she got worse and died. It was a very sad day. I was in the sixth grade when this happened. I remember Sister Mary Anne, also. She was a fair principal and went to Marian High School after she left Holy Name. Sister Carola Keffler was still the secretary when I visited the school in 1990, which was her last year. I had just returned from the seminary in Pennsylvania. These sisters were great assets to the school.
Submitted by: Michael Petroni
Note: Sister Eileen Shaw died May 21, 1979. Sister Mary Anne died May 26, 1993. Sister Carola Keffler is retired and lives at the Motherhouse.

Name: Audrey (Vinciana) Bushell, IHM                             Year: 1974
School: St. Mary of Redford (Detroit)      
Memory: I remember Sister Audrey, our art teacher at St. Mary's of Redford. She was so patient with me as I used pastels to draw a Fragonard, "A Young Girl Reading," that took me months to finish. Sister said, "Well, you're not very prolific, but at least you're almost done." She helped me out of more scrapes as I worked on that drawing, both at school and home. I will always consider her one of my best art mentors because she was so encouraging. Thanks, Sister Audrey!
Submitted by: Susan Phillips

Name:
Mother Davidica Cronin, IHM                                Year: 1963
School: Sacred Heart (Roseville, Mich.)      
Memory: Lots of memories concerning this fine lady. Tough, but fair. Ruled the school with an iron will, but she could be a lot of fun, too. You had better be on your best behavior around her because she demanded that respect. Wonderful teacher that I think of often, as I do with all the nuns that contributed to my education. Lots of fond memories to one of the best times in my life.
Submitted by: Robert Walsh
Note: Sister Davidica died June 29, 2007.

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