Born to Eternal Life We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved Sister Michael Marie Kwieglis who departed this life on Monday, April 23, 2007 in the eightieth year of her religious life. Age – 94 years, 10 months Funeral – Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. In the wee hours of the morning, Sister Michael Marie, rosary in her hands, slept peacefully away, making her final journey to God in the quiet of her room. The Sisters had been with her most of the night, lending their support and presence for these last steps toward union with her Provident God. Sister Michael Marie's roots certainly played a role in her life as a Sister of Divine Providence, as she gravitated toward ministries serving immigrants. Sister “Mikey” as she was affectionately known, began her life as Hedwig in Lithuania in 1912. Her family came to Madison , Illinois , in 1923, joining her father who had come ahead and settled with relatives. Her faith was nurtured at St. Mary's Parish in Madison , Illinois , and a year later, she met the Sisters of Divine Providence and became interested in joining the community. She entered in Allison Park, Pennsylvania in 1928, became a naturalized citizen in 1935, professed vows in 1937, and was a member of the former St. Louis Province. Sister Michael Marie served 45 years in elementary and secondary schools in Missouri, Illinois and Louisiana . She held degrees in both Mathematics and Home Economics. But always in her mind was the dream to be a missionary and to serve the poor. Though she didn't go overseas, Sister Mikey went to Colorado instead, at the age of 68, to serve in the Sisters' mission to Mexican-American migrant workers. She tutored high school students in math, and worked with local women as a seamstress at San Juan Art Center . She even learned to drive a car while in Colorado , from the house, down a dirt road, to the highway, to the Art Center and back home again. When she returned home to St. Louis , Sister Michael Marie didn't retire from serving the poor. From her small room in the convent wing at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, she continued her tireless dedication to God's people. Many have been the recipients of her generosity, as she packed and sent boxes of clothing, much of which she sewed herself. These were boxes packed with love and sent to those in need: migrant workers and their families, refugees at La Posada, homeless families at Room At The Inn, and people of Appalachia . In her recent declining years, she was at home in the infirmary at Providence Heights. It is fitting that Sister Michael Marie died between the third and fourth Sundays of Easter. In last Sunday's readings, Jesus is servant, cooking breakfast for the disciples. This Sunday, we celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday — the vocation to shepherd each other. Now she meets Jesus on the seashore and he beckons her, “come, good and faithful servant.” Birthday: June 23 SBM |
