Sr. Evelyn Booms, IHM, age 86, died May 6, 2021, at IHM Senior Living Community.
Sister Evelyn was born in Harbor Beach, Mich., on August 13, 1934, to parents Wilfred and Estella (Essenmacher) Booms. After graduation from Our Lady of Lake Huron High School, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe and received the religious name, Sister Marie Augustine.
Upon earning a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College, Sister Evelyn entered the teaching profession at St. Mary of Redford (Detroit) and St. Charles (Coldwater) and later recalled “these happy years.” She was missioned to Mobile, Ala., and taught at St. Monica for five years. Advancing in her profession, she was named principal of Assumption Elementary in Albuquerque, N.M. Albuquerque became home for the next 15 years at Assumption, then as superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. During these years she earned a master’s degree from the University of New Mexico.
In 1981, Sister Evelyn accepted a position as dean of residence hall at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana). She engaged in her own studies, spiritual growth and the arts as a creative hobby. In 1984, she served her community in Monroe as coordinator and director of St. Mary Conference Center until 1989.
A well-deserved year of renewal at Sangre De Cristo Center began a transition to ministry in spiritual growth, first in the IHM-sponsored ministry “Kaleidoscope” in Detroit and Eastpointe and then at Heart of Jesus Prayer Center (St. Clair Shores) as spiritual director and counselor for more than 10 years.
She retired to the Motherhouse and IHM Senior Living Community and continued to provide spiritual direction and seek opportunities for spiritual growth and enjoy many friendships and art activities.
Sister Evelyn is survived by sisters, Marjorie Messing and Joann Ginther; brothers, Gerald, Charles, Dennis and Harry; nieces and nephews, cousins, and her sisters in community. She was preceded in death by sister Sheila Messing.
Because of COVID-19 restrictions, services will be private at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel on Thursday, May 13. The services will be Livestreamed beginning at 10 a.m. at https://bit.ly/3h8bqks and may be viewed until June 3. Arrangements are under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162-7909.
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