Sr. Lois Marie Mitoraj, CSSF, of Detroit, 87 years old, 59 years in religious life, entered eternal life Nov. 6, 2021, in Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, Livonia.
Born Sept. 24, 1934, Lois was baptized and confirmed at St. John Cantius Parish, Detroit, Michigan, the sixth of seven girls born to John and Mary (Kosiba): Agnes (Mizgala), Cecilia (Przewozniak), Jane (Treves), Victoria, Phyllis (Corpman), and Mary Patricia (Kuriwchak).
Lois attended St. John Cantius Grade School in Detroit and graduated from Southeastern High School in 1951. Employed by the Travelers Insurance Company and Ford Motor Company for clerical work, she also enrolled in the Detroit Business Institute and later the University of Detroit taking night courses.
Answering the Lord’s call, Lois entered the Felician Congregation in 1962. At the Investiture ceremonies in 1963 she received the name of Sister Mary Johnice, later changed to Sister Lois Marie. Temporary Profession was made in 1964 and perpetual profession in 1971.
Sister Lois Marie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Madonna University and a Master’s in Education from Marygrove College, and taught elementary grades in many Felician parochial schools: St. Hyacinth, St. Stephen, Corpus Christi, St. Casimir, St. Andrew, St. Christine St. Francis of Assisi and St. Cunegunda all in Detroit; St. Stephen, New Boston; Our Lady of Refuge, Orchard Lake; St. Edith, Livonia, St. Thecla, Mt. Clemens; St. Dunstan, Garden City; Mary’s Assumption, Bronson; St. Joseph and St. Stanislaus, Jackson; St. Hyacinth and St. Stanislaus, Bay City.
For many years Sister Lois Marie was a staunch advocate for human rights and pro-life causes. In 1991 Sister successfully completed a volunteer class with the Alternative Answers to Abortion Program (AAA), and in 1998 obtained Volunteer Certification for Training in Crisis Pregnancy Counseling and Crisis Intervention at the same organization.
Sister’s passion and serious endeavors as a “voice for the unborn” took many forms including: peaceful protests at abortion clinics; marches and gatherings with government agencies in Lansing and Washington D.C.; keeping other sisters informed about legislation related to Right to Life; and encouraging daily prayer for mothers and unborn children.
Sister Lois Marie was also involved in a variety of other ministries: a nurse aide in St. Joseph Care Center, a driver for the sisters, a catechist at St. Edith Parish, and a tutor in the Siena Literacy Center. She regularly visited Scott Correctional Facility and the Huron Valley Complex for incarcerated women to offer prayer and support to the inmates. With a passion for Christ and a passion for humanity she was ready and willing to give her whole self and more.
Sister Lois Marie was diagnosed with cancer several years ago. When the recurrence of the disease was intensified by other medical problems, Sister was admitted to St. Mary Mercy Hospital Critical Care Unit. Her medical condition worsened, and Sister made the decision to return to Presentation Convent. On Saturday, November 6, 2021, she journeyed to eternity to meet the Lord she so faithfully served. The endless giving of herself will live on in our hearts.
Sister Lois Marie is survived by her sister, Phyllis and nieces and nephews.
Morning Prayer Service began at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 9, 2021. The Mass of Resurrection was celebrated by Reverend Gary Tierney, Chaplain, at 10:30 a.m. in the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel of the Felician Sisters, Livonia, Michigan. Sister Lois Marie was interred in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
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