Sr. Mary Estelle (Theresa) Printz, CSSF, of Detroit, completed her life’s journey of 92 years on April 12 at 9:15 a.m. in Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, Livonia, Michigan. Sister was 71 years in religious life.

The former Theresa Printz was born on Dec. 5, 1925, the fifth of seven children of Frank and Stella (Frankowiak). Baptized and confirmed at St. Stanislaus Church in Detroit, Theresa also attended St. Stanislaus Parish Elementary and High School.  

Before entering the convent, Sister Estelle worked for the Chrysler Corp. as a secretary in the War Contracts Department in Highland Park, Michigan.  Later, Sister was employed by the Michigan Unemployment Compensation Commission as a clerk than as a Supervisor of the secretaries to the Claims Lawyers.

Theresa was admitted to the postulancy of the Felician Sisters on July 26, 1946.  During the investiture ceremonies the following year she received the name, Sister Mary Estelle.  First profession of vows was in 1948 and final profession in 1954

Sister Mary Estelle earned a Bachelor of Science from Madonna University and a Master’s in Business Administration from University of Notre Dame.  She taught business courses in High School and was principal for 14 years.   Sister was also Supervisor of the Business Office at St.  Mary Hospital and assisted at two General Chapters with typing and other duties.

In the Archdiocese of Detroit Sister Estelle taught at St. Andrew, Sacred Heart, St. Casimir, Felician Academy, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, St. Stanislaus, Bishop Borgess High, Ladywood High School, and St. Florian.  In the Diocese of Saginaw at St. Hyacinth, Bay City and in the Diocese of Lansing at Lumen Christi, Jackson.

Sister Mary Estelle was assigned to Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent in 1999 and served as the local minister for three years then assisted in the Office of Treasurer for 14 years.  

Sister retired from active ministry in 2016. Over the past months, her health steadily declined.  Placed in Hospice Care, her life ebbed away and On April 12, Easter Sunday, Sister Mary Estelle slipped into the Lord’s embrace and journeyed to eternity.

Sister Mary Estelle is preceded in death by her sisters, Eleanore and Dolores. She is survived by nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.   

Interment was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit, on April 17, 2020.