Sr. Arleen Marie Saroglia, RSM, entered eternal life late Monday evening, Dec. 19, 2022, at Trinity Health Oakland Hospital, Pontiac. She was 81 years old.
Sister Arleen Marie was born May 26, 1941, in Detroit, to the late Frank and Virginia (Garavaglia) Saroglia. She entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy on September 7, 1959, and professed her final vows on August 16, 1967.
Sister Arleen graduated from Mercy College of Detroit, Michigan, in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Detroit with a Master of Arts in Education/Administration in 1975 and obtained a Certificate in Religious Studies from the Theological Institute of St. Norbert College in 1981.
She ministered as a teacher, principal — or both — in Catholic schools in Michigan, including St. Michael School, Pinconning; St. Patrick School, Grand Haven; St. Mary (later Bishop Baraga) School, Cheboygan, Ludington Area Catholic School, Ludington, St. Michael’s School, Coopersville, St. Joseph the Worker, Grand Rapids, Assumption B.V.M. School, Belmont and as a tutor at Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Detroit. In her personal philosophy of education, she professed her commitment to encouraging “new and creative approaches for more effective learning….”
Arleen also served as a Pastoral Care Associate at St. Mary’s Health Services, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and as a member of the Muskegon Mercy Community Healthcare System Board of Trustees from 1990-1995.
She enjoyed sports and often coached basketball or softball teams where she taught; she was also an avid reader. She was gifted in relationships. She engaged with colleagues, parents, patients, and caregivers. Especially in her later years of limited mobility, she found ways to address the needs of those who cared for her with gifts of clothing, money, or a willingness to listen. Arleen wrote in what may have been a retreat note, “In the center of my being, I find the strength and courage to stay focused on the charism of mercy.”
Surviving are her brother, Thomas (Susan) Saroglia; nieces, Kathleen (John) Vinson and Jennifer (Mitchell Heaney) Saroglia; great-nieces, Virginia and Grace; her cousins, Carol Hofer and Nancy Jaszcz; and her Sisters in Community.
Sister Arleen Marie's funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 4 at the Church of the Transfiguration, 25225 Code Road in Southfield. Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, followed.
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