Mary OP

Sagorski, Mary Albert, OP, born Seraphine Sagorski, on a farm near Sand Lake, MI, died on August 30, 2015. She was 101 years old and a Dominican Sister for 83 years. Very early in her religious life in the Grand Rapids Dominicans, Sr. Mary Albert responded to a request for volunteers to teach in New Mexico. Her kind and thoughtful nature made her a natural teacher. In 1937, after studying at the university in New Mexico, she received her certification and began teaching in Belen, New Mexico. She taught pre-school through eighth grades in the public school system and also taught catechism at the missions of Jarales, Pueblitos, and Los Chavez as well as for the Catholic students in the public school system in Belen, New Mexico on Saturdays. On Sundays, graduates and young adults came to church for studies with Sr. Mary Albert in continuing religious education. She was always ready to serve. Upon returning to Michigan in 1946, Sister taught at St. Joseph Schools in Weare (Hart) and Grand Rapids while earning a degree in Home Economics Education. She was on the Marywood Academy faculty for 16 years, teaching Home Arts until 1965. Thereafter, she was assigned to the following locations: Catholic Central, Grand Rapids; St. Michael, Maple Grove; St. Francis, Traverse City; St. Mary, Muskegon; and Holy Rosary Academy, Bay City. After her formal teaching career, Sister Mary Albert's training in the Home Arts was put to good use at SS Peter and Paul, Saginaw; Holy Trinity, Alpine Township; and Aquinata Hall and Marywood. She was a tireless volunteer as a skilled seamstress for the Community Sisters and Aspirants. All of her days, wherever she was, Sister Mary Albert relished nature and the seasonal changes; listening to music; reading, walking and being outdoors. In her days in New Mexico, she was moved by the beauty of the Manzano Mountains, the sunshine and the blue skies. Sister Mary Albert is survived by her sister, Rose Seraphine Sagorski, OP, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews; many friends and members of her Dominican Community. Sister Mary Albert will repose at Dominican Chapel/Marywood, 2025 Fulton Street East, with visitation on Monday, August 31 from 4:00-7:00 pm with a Remembering Service at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, September 1 at Dominican Chapel/Marywood. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Mary Albert Sagorski's name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Health Care Fund. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mary Albert Sagorski OP please visit our Sympathy Store.