Sr. Mary Irene Wischmeyer, OP, formerly known as Sister Edward Irene, died on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 94 years of age and in the 77th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sr. Mary Irene was born in Shepherd, Michigan, to Edward and Irene (Siefker) Wischmeyer. She graduated from Resurrection High School in Lansing, Michigan, and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin and a Master of Education degree, both from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian.
Sister spent 38½ years ministering in education in Detroit, Ruth, Flint, and Farmington, Michigan, and in Joliet and St. Charles, Illinois. She was Principal at Holy Name School in Detroit from 1962 to 1967. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 1986.
Sr. Mary Irene was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers: Maurice Wischmeyer, Melvin Wischmeyer, Norman Wischmeyer and Reverend Amos Wischmeyer. She is survived by loving nieces and nephews and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Due to COVID-19 mitigation protocols, the Dominican Life Center is closed until further notice to all guests or visitors. All are welcome to participate in Sister’s wake and funeral via live stream at http://www.adriandominicans.org/LiveStream.aspx
The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Word Service will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Prayers of Committal will be held in the back of St. Catherine Chapel.
Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.
Sister ministered in Michigan for 40 years:
- St. Brigid, Detroit (1947-1955): Elementary Teacher
- Saints Peter and Paul High School, Ruth (1955-1962): High School Teacher
- Holy Name, Detroit (1962-1967): Elementary Principal
- St. Luke, Flint (1967-1971): Elementary Teacher
- Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington (1971-1972): Elementary Teacher
- Thomas P. Beahan, Farmington (1972-1973): Elementary Teacher
- Our Lady Gate of Heaven, Detroit (1973-1980): Elementary Teacher
- Epiphany Child Development Center, Detroit (1980-1983): Elementary Teacher
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