Evelyn Schoenborn

Schoenborn, OP, Sister Evelyn (the former Sister Mary Donald) of Grand Rapids (born in Conklin, MI) died on June 29, 2021. She was 96 years old and a Dominican Sister for 77 years. 

Sister Evelyn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s in Religious Education from Aquinas College.

Sister Evelyn was a teacher serving at St. Mary, Saginaw; St. Joseph, Pewamo; St. Mary, St. Charles; St. Peter, Douglas; St. Norbert, Munger; St. Thomas, Grand Rapids; St. Francis, Traverse City; St. Michael, Maple Grove; St. Joseph in Beal City and St. Joseph, Wright. She was the prefect at Holy Rosary Academy in Bay City and later assisted/coordinated activities at Aquinata Hall. 

Sister Evelyn began a new kind of ministry as an adult education homebound teacher and assistant at the Olive Hill Senior Citizen Center and worked part-time in the activities department at the Morehead Life Care Center. She described it as: “… the most fulfilling and exciting mission - working in the poor area of Northeastern Kentucky …” 

Sister Evelyn served as a receptionist and patient companion at Glacier Hills Nursing Center and later as a home care assistant for Individualized Home Care, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She next became coordinator for the Eucharistic Ministers for the homebound members of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Ionia. After nine years of ministry at SS. Peter & Paul, Evelyn moved to Marywood. Soon after arriving, she heard of a need for pastoral care at Porter Hills and thus began five years of service with that health care facility.

During her spare time, Sister Evelyn enjoyed sewing, crocheting, needlepoint, latch hook, listening to music, reading and taking extra time in prayer. She was quiet and unpretentious.  “Even as a member of the Order of Preachers, God has not blessed me with the gift of speaking before crowds of people, but I am more at home working with small groups or individuals.” She preached through her patient, kind and consistent dedication to the people she served.

Sister Evelyn is survived by her sisters Sister Catherine Schoenborn (Glenmary Sister) Owensboro, Kentucky; Jacqueline Pangburn of Roseville, Michigan; her brother Lawrence (Karen) Schoenborn of Ada, Michigan; nieces and nephews, many friends and members of her Dominican community.

In an effort to protect our vulnerable population from the Covid-19 virus a private Funeral Mass with immediate family and Sisters will be celebrated at Dominican Chapel/Marywood on Friday, July 2. 

Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Evelyn Schoenborn’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.