Sr. Thielen

Thielen, OP, Sister Ann of Grand Rapids (born Anna Marie Thielen in Weidman, MI) died on January 5, 2019. She was 84 years old and a Dominican Sister for 59 years. Sr. Ann graduated from the Mercy Central School of Nursing with an R.N. and was certified as a nurse in Michigan, New Mexico and California. She earned a B.A. in Psychology and an MA in Religious Education from Aquinas College. Sister Ann served as the Director of Nursing at El Centro, California and later worked as a nurse at Guadalupe General Hospital in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. While earning her degrees from Aquinas College Sr. Ann worked as Head Resident Advisor and following the completion of her master's degree, she served there as campus minister. Sr. Ann served as pastoral minister in Albuquerque, NM and Douglas, AZ. She also served in Michigan at St. Stephen Parish, Saginaw; St. John's Parish, Essexville and St. Francis de Sales Parish, Holland. Although her life's work alternated between nursing and pastoral ministry, in reality she combined the two in a synchronicity of caring for the whole person. Wherever Sr. Ann lived - Michigan, New Mexico or Arizona - she left a legacy of quiet caring and serenity. Hearkening back to her years growing up on the farm, Ann planted flowers wherever she lived and nurtured all who came within her circle of care. Sister Ann is survived by her brothers Paul (Michelle) Thielen, Baroda, MI; and Larry (Pat) Thielen, Albuquerque, NM; her sisters-in-law Loretta Thielen, Fraser, MI; and Geri Thielen, Albuquerque, NM; nieces, nephews; many friends and members of her Dominican Community. Sister Ann will repose at Dominican Chapel/Marywood, 2025 Fulton Street East, with visitation on Tuesday, January 8 from 6:00-7:00 pm followed by a Remembering Service at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 9 at 11:00 am at Dominican Chapel/Marywood. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Ann Thielen's name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters. Stegenga Funeral Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Sr. Ann Thielen please visit our Sympathy Store.