Sr. Faye McFarlane, IHM, age 83, died Tuesday, April 30, at Lake Huron Medical Center, Port Huron, after a brief illness.
Sister Faye was born Nov. 3, 1940, to parents Norman and Gail (Landschoot) in Port Huron, Michigan. She joined her sister Gail in attending St. Stephan Schools. Six months after graduating from high school, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in June 1947 and received the religious name Sister Marie Denise.
Sister Marie Denise attended and graduated from Marygrove College and began a life-long career as a teacher. Her ministry in elementary schools included St. Cyprian, Riverview; St. Patrick Carleton; Our Lady of Lourdes, River Rouge; and in Detroit at St. Gregory, St. Brigid and St. Cecilia. Almost 31 years were spent at St. Cecilia, truly a beloved ministry.
She continued to live in Port Huron, the place of her birth, almost all her life and cared for her elderly parents. She was a member of St. Mary Parish. After a year of transition, she returned to the ministry of education at St. Edward on the Lake School for over 15 years. Sr. Faye described her longevity in teaching as “I spend my day helping others soar!”
She retired in Port Huron and, for a few years, volunteered at St. Edward until her health prevented her from working with children. Only recently, she suffered a brief illness, which led to her death.
Sister Faye is survived by her sister, Gail McFarlane of Port Huron, and her IHM Sisters in community.
Services were held at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, Friday, May 3. Adhering to Sister’s wishes, a green burial followed immediately in St. Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162-7909.
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