Sr. Mary Serra (Seraphica) (Alice) Szalaszewicz, CSSF, of Detroit, Michigan, age 90 years, religious 73 years, entered eternal life in Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, Livonia, Michigan, on January 30, 2022.
Sister Mary Serra was born on January 1, 1932, to Hedwig (Cendrowski) and Joseph Szalaszewicz. Alice was the second child and the little sister to Therese Szalaszewicz.
She was baptized at St. Hyacinth Parish in Detroit and attended the parish elementary school where outside of her studies, Alice played the saxophone in the School Band. Upon completion of elementary school, Alice went on to Felician Academy in Detroit for high school.
On June 19, 1949, Alice entered the community of the Felician Sisters. She was invested in 1950 and received the name of Sister Mary Seraphica, later shortened to Sister Mary Serra. Sister M Serra made her final profession in 1957. Sister began her teaching career soon after while also completing her studies in higher education. She received a Bachelor of Science from Madonna University and a Master of Teaching Science from the University of Detroit. In addition, Sister participated in various grants in science and math, which allowed her to travel to many different states.
As a member of the Felician Congregation, Sister Serra served the community for 12 years as Director of Education. While in that role, many sisters were encouraged to pursue higher education, take additional courses, and teach at different grade levels. Sister Serra conceived the idea of a Montessori and worked with Sister Mary Paulita Bikowski to bring this vision to fruition.
In addition to teaching in elementary and high schools throughout the state, Sister Serra was Associate Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit, Registrar at Madonna University, and Assistant Principal at Ladywood High School. Upon her retirement from education, Sister Serra was asked to take on the role as Mission Coordinator for Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary convent.
As a teacher, Sister Serra challenged her students to excel and supported them in participation in math and science fairs. She was known to be firm, strict, and fair and her students performed well under her direction and mentoring.
As a member of the community, Sister participated in community chapters in Livonia, MI and Rome, Italy, as well as serving on various committees through the years.
Sister loved her God, her family, and her community. The scripture passage from Micah 6:8 served as her guide throughout her entire life,
“ That is to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.”
As her health steadily declined over the past months, Sister Mary Serra faced each day bravely with resignation to God’s will. She journeyed to her eternal reward and slipped peacefully into God’s eternal embrace at 2:15 a.m. January 30, 2022.
Sister Mary Serra was preceded in death by her parents and sister.
Office of Christian Burial began at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. Reverend Gary Tierney, chaplain celebrated the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Felician Chapel, Livonia, Michigan. Burial was 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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