Sr. Sharon Beckmann, OP, formerly Sr. Therese Michelle, died Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at the ProMedica Toledo Hospital in Toledo, Ohio. She was 80 years of age and in the 62nd year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister Sharon was born in St. Joseph, Michigan, to Joseph and Marie (Schramm) Beckmann. She graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in St. Joseph and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian; a Master of Religious Education degree from University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas; and a Master of Arts degree in School Administration from University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
Sister ministered in elementary education for 26 years in Loves Park, Chicago, Elmwood Park, Maywood, and River Grove, Illinois, and Haywood, Piedmont, Oakland, and Fremont, California. Sister also ministered for eight years in religious education and pastoral work in Danville, Mission San Jose, Pinole and Fremont, California. After her retirement in 2004, she volunteered her services for five years as a teacher at Literacy Plus Center in Hayward, California and later for several years at the Adrian Rea Literacy Center in Adrian. Sister became a resident of Weber Center on the Adrian Dominican Sisters’ campus in 2009.
Sister Sharon was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers: Michael and James. She is survived by three sisters: Kathryn Martin of Coloma, Michigan, Therese Graham (Michael) of Three Rivers, Michigan, and Marcia Anstiss of Eau Claire, Michigan; a brother, Joseph Beckmann, Jr. of St. Joseph, Michigan; 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 Thursday, March 18, 2021, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 19, 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 eight years:
- Weber Center, Adrian (1978-79): Secretary
- Adrian Rea Literacy Center, Adrian (2008-12): Volunteer Tutor
- ADS Development Office, Adrian (2012-15): Volunteer
- Adrian Rea Literacy Center, Adrian (2015-17): Tutor
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