Word has been received of the death of Sister Michella Marie (Donohue) who died at 6:20 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2010, in Saint Mary’s Convent.

The words of the hymn, “Gentle Woman,” come immediately to mind when attempting to describe Sister Michella Marie. Four sisters, who lived with her in the East, echoed that same theme in speaking of her as prayerful, gentle and unassuming. Tom McNerney, a longtime family friend and loyal communicator, writes of her, “…she has always been a loving servant of God. The role of Our Lady is mirrored in the example of how Sister Michella Marie has always manifested such qualities in her peaceful, loving and generous manner.” She was a very caring person and never missed an opportunity to write a gracious note of thanks, congratulations or encouragement, always writing in beautiful script so characteristic of her.

There was another side of Sister Michella’s personality that showed itself in her energetic approach to life and her high level of interest in all that was happening both locally and nationally. She laughed easily and appreciated a good joke, but you had to be alert to catch the nuances of this clever lady’s dry humor; her smile was usually the give-away.

Sister Michella Marie devoted more than 50 years to teaching in schools in the East. She loved her students and taught them well, though she was somewhat of a taskmaster. She remained a favorite teacher to many and they have kept in contact with her over the years. She loved hearing about the families of her students, and any alumni news was always welcome. Even in semi-retirement she remained a lively spirit with a certain independence and a great deal of stamina for her age. Sister Katherine Kase fondly remembers Sister Michella as alert and caring with a lovely and lively presence.

When she finally retired at Saint Mary’s she began an almost religious ritual: She came down each morning to the convent library to read the morning paper to keep in touch with world affairs, then off to the Chapel of Loreto for an hour of adoration, and finally ended the morning by joining the sisters for the community Mass. In between each of these activities were of course the pleasant, short exchanges with staff and sisters along the way. She never missed an opportunity to offer greetings and prayers. She was gifted and she was gift to all.

Tom McNerney’s final message about sister was, “We will be able to say for years to come that in reflecting on her life, that it was one lived in gentle union with the God of her heart, and through this manner has quietly distinguished herself as one of the great women of Holy Cross.” And indeed she was.

Funeral arrangements for Sister Michella Marie are as follows: Reception of the body and wake at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 9, 2010. The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2010. All of these ceremonies will take place in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto. May Sister rest in peace.