Sr. Shirley Boettcher, OP, formerly known as Sister Elaine Therese Boettcher, died on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 94 years of age and in the 77th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Edward and Edna (Wagner) Boettcher. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Adrian and received a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in Home Economics from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian. Sister was also certified as a licensed practical nurse by the Michigan Board of Nursing and by the Florida Board of Nursing.
Sister Shirley ministered in elementary education for 16 years in Port Huron, Romeo and Detroit, Michigan; Van Wert and Assumption (Swanton), Ohio; Chicago and Oak Park, Illinois; and Cheektowaga, New York. She served four years in domestic services in Plymouth and Adrian, Michigan; and Des Moines, Iowa. Sister also ministered to the sick for 22 years as a licensed practical nurse in Adrian and in Miami Beach, Sebring, and Lake Placid, Florida. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2017.
She is predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Phyllis Wesley and Donna Moll. Sister is survived by a sister, Elaine Marcotte; other loving family; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.
A Funeral Mass was offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221.
Sister ministered in Michigan 8 years:
- St. Joseph, Port Huron (1948-49): Elementary Teacher
- St. John Seminary, Plymouth (1949-50): Housekeeper
- Adrian Dominican Sisters, Adrian (1950-51): Kitchen Staff
- St. Clement, Romeo (1959-61): Elementary Teacher
- Our Lady of Sorrows, Detroit (1964-65): Elementary Teacher
- Maria Health Care Center, Adrian (1969-71): LPN
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