(1943-2026)

Kathleen M. Woods, aged 82, died on August 1, 2026.

She was born on December 23, 1943 in Chicago, a daughter of Joseph P. Woods and Gertrude C. Carey. Known as Kathy or Kate, she was the dear sister of Jerome P. Woods, of Evanston, Illinois; the late James C. Woods; Mary Joann Reedy (David), of Williamsburg, Virginia; and Robert M. Woods (Amy), of Fergus Falls, Minnesota. She was the much-loved Aunt Kate of Emily Woods Sternberg, Kathleen Woods Balthrop, James C. Reedy, Patrick J. Woods, Molly Reedy Kling, Robert A. Woods and Anastasia Woods Young, as well as a most special “GrAunt Kate” to fifteen great-nieces and nephews.

Kate received a Bachelor of Science from Siena Heights College, and a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Wayne State University. Science and psychology framed her career and formed her passions for improving health care, enhancing individual growth, and supporting community development and responsibility.

After working with students as an elementary and secondary science teacher early in her career, Kate was inspired to pursue a degree in clinical social work. She supported oncology patients and provided staff training and education as a social worker at the University of Chicago Medical School, before joining Illinois Masonic Hospital in 1981.

At Illinois Masonic, Kate had several roles. She was Director of the Home Health and Hospice Program, establishing one of the nation’s first inpatient hospice units, before becoming Director of Education for the Hospital. Throughout, hospice remained the core of Kate’s commitment; she continued to work in paid and volunteer positions at hospice organizations, including JourneyCare, well into her retirement years. In her spare time, she provided support to individuals and families in her psychotherapy practice.

Fifteen years ago, Kate traveled to St. Clare’s Orphanage in Kenya, a trip sponsored by the Friends of Kenyan Orphans, which introduced her to a young girl, Odelia Wowu, who became her “adopted daughter.” Kate continued to support the organization’s charitable mission to educate young women of Kenya for the rest of her life.

Recently, Kate channeled her lifelong interests into working with the Adrian Dominican Sisters to advance wider social goals of corporate responsibility and justice. She was an integral force in future planning through the Dominican Life Collaborative initiative.

Kate was deeply loved and valued by siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, and her extended family. She was a good and loyal friend who devoted her life to improving the lives of individuals and communities.

From childhood, she was smart and funny – which sometimes got her into trouble! In the tradition of Irish storytellers, she spun a saga for two generations of spellbound nieces and nephews, and created new chapters – a child’s version of “Dynasty” meets “The Hobbit” – at family gatherings over many years.

She loved to travel and especially enjoyed time over the years at a series of vacation cottages in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, which she freely shared with loved ones. And of course, she was a lifelong, spirited, and very boisterous fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Donations in Kate’s memory may be made to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI 49221 for the benefit of the Dominican Life Collaborative/Kathleen M. Woods Fund and to Friends of Kenyan Orphans, 18640 Mack Ave. Suite 1294, Grosse Pointe, MI 48236.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later time.

 

(1941-2026)

Sister Kathleen Voss, formerly known as Sister William Lorraine, died on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 85 years of age and in the 65th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Kathleen was born in Detroit to Henry and Shirley (Mallis) Voss. She graduated from Girls’ Catholic Central High School in Detroit and received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in marriage counseling from the University of Detroit (University of Detroit Mercy). She was also certified in bereavement assistance by the Diocese of Orlando, Florida, and was licensed as a social worker and professional counselor by the State of Michigan.

Sister ministered for more than 23 years in education in Miami Beach, Florida; Aiken, South Carolina; Toledo, Assumption, Van Wert, and Medina, Ohio; Sturgis, Warren, and Detroit, Michigan; and Wilmette, Illinois. Later, she served five years as a mental health therapist in Wayne, Michigan; two years as a parish pastoral minister at Resurrection Parish in Lakeland, Florida; and part-time for three years as a computer graphics teacher at St. Martin de Porres High School in Detroit. She became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2013 and continued her creative endeavors in her retirement.

Sister Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Diane Kaiser and Sally Maxwell; and her brothers, Timothy and Daniel Voss. She is survived by a brother, Paul Voss (Sue); other loving family members; friends; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery.

Those who are not attending services in person are welcome to participate via livestream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Services, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

 

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Note: To view recordings with closed captioning, they must be viewed on our public video library rather than through the links below.

Recording of Sister Kathleen's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Kathleen's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

LEFT: Baby Kathleen, 1941. MIDDLE LEFT: First Holy Communion, 1952. MIDDLE RIGHT: 1959 graduate of Catholic Central High School, Detroit. RIGHT: With her parents, Henry and Shirley Voss.

LEFT: Members of the 1975 community at Washtenaw in Chicago are: standing, from left, Sisters Elizabeth Kreiner and Deborah Marie Oliveri, and seated, from left, Sisters Muriel Benz, Kathleen Voss, and Lila Watt. MIDDLE: From left, Sisters Marie Solanus Reilly and Kathleen Voss. RIGHT: From left, Sisters Kathleen Voss and Maureen Therese Masuga.

Members of the 2010 Golden Jubilee “Holy Angels” Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Kathleen Walli, Kathleen Voss, Mary Katherine Drouin, Molly Giller, Helene Kloss, and Monica Charles Stankus, and front row, from left, Sisters Marie Carleen Maly, Annice Mordenski, Jamie Phelps, Mary Ann Dixon, Maurine Barzantni, Mary Carr, and Donna Markham (Prioress). 

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(1938-2026)

Sister Christa Marsik, baptized Vlasti Ann Marsik, died on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 88 years of age and in the 66th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Christa was born in Owosso, Michigan, to Frank and Frances (Pelikan) Marsik. She graduated from St. Paul High School in Owosso and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Latin from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in counseling from Barry College (University) in Miami Shores, Florida.

Sister Christa ministered for more than 12 years in education in Detroit and New Lathrop, Michigan; and Miami Shores, West Palm Beach, and Orlando, Florida. This included one year at Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach and three years at Rosary High School in Detroit, both Adrian Dominican legacy institutions, and two years as assistant to the dean at Barry College (University), an Adrian Dominican sponsored institution. She also spent four years as a high school guidance counselor in Orlando.

She served for three years as parish minister in Pontiac and Detroit, Michigan, and three years in parish adult formation in Detroit. In addition, Sister Christa ministered for two years as evangelization director in Kentwood, three years as parenting instructor in Corunna, and two years in adult education/pastoral ministry in Durand, all in Michigan, and ministered for three years to orphans in Meru, Kenya, East Africa.

Sister Christa served the Congregation for 19 years in several positions, including secretary for the Southeast Adrian Chapter, executive secretary to the Congregation Prioress, Weber Shop coordinator, history staff assistant, History Department volunteer, and administrative secretary for the Adrian Crossroads Chapter. She became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2016.

Sister Christa was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Frank and Joseph Marsik. She is survived by other loving family members and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery.

Those who are not attending services in person are welcome to participate via livestream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Services, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Note: To view recordings with closed captioning, they must be viewed on our public video library rather than through the links below.

Recording of Sister Christa's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Christa's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

LEFT: Baby Vlasti (the future Sister Christa) with her mother Frances, 1938. MIDDLE: First Holy Communion, 1945. RIGHT: From left, Sisters Sharon Spanbauer, Karen Fisk, Christa Marsik, Linda DiSabatino, Maureen Comer, and, seated on the floor, Patricia Harvat, ministry in formation gathering in Detroit, Spring 1970.

MIDDLE: From left, Sisters Mary Kathryn Cliatt, Maurine Barzantni, Renee Richie, and Christa Marsik stand near their home, Siena House, in Meru, Kenya, where they ministered at St. Clare Centre for Girls. RIGHT: Members of the Weavers Mission Group, Great Lakes Chapter, circa 2000, are, standing from left, Sisters Rosemary Abramovich, Lynne Hannum, Bridget Maier, and Cheryl Liske, and seated, from left, Sisters Margaret Andrezik and Christa Marsik, and Associate Deb Carter.

LEFT: Spending time together in the Madden Hall Dining Room at the Motherhouse are, from left, Sisters Tarianne DeYonker, Kathleen Schanz, Bernice Lopata, Durstyne Farnan, Christa Marsik, and Jo Ann Lucas. RIGHT: Sister Christa in the Garden of Olives in East Jerusalem, Israel, 2011. 

Members of the 2009 Golden Jubilee June Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Rosemarie Kieffer, Peter Anthony Schulte, Christa Marsik, Sean Eileen Allgeyer, Sarah Ann Sharkey, Jo Ann Jauquet, and Helen Wilson; middle row, from left, Sisters Mary Diane McMeekin, Susan Van Baalen, Beverly Bobola, Jean Keeley, Rosemary Zuccaro, and Joan Marie Weithman; and front row, from left, Sisters Joan Krajewski, Mary Emidio Singer, Mary Jean Clemenger, Patricia Janowicz, Delores DeBets, Joan Christine Meerschaert, and Donna Markham (Prioress).

Leave your comments and remembrances – if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link.

(1939-2026)

Sister Frances “Fran” Lombaer, formerly known as Sister Virginia Francis Lombaer, died on Monday, July 6, 2026, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 86 years of age and in the 68th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Fran was born in Chicago to Francis and Virginia (Seidensticker) Lombaer. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian; a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona; and a master’s degree in religious education from the University of San Francisco.

Sister Fran ministered for 23 years in elementary and secondary education in Santa Cruz, Oakland, Hollister, and San Francisco, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Modimong, South Africa. She served four years in parish and administrative ministries in Santa Cruz and San Francisco, California. Also in California, she was co-provincial/administrator of Holy Cross Province for three years, and a unit secretary at Dominican Hospital, Santa Cruz, a legacy institution of the Congregation, for three years.

In Adrian, Sister served the Congregation on the Portfolio Advisory Board staff for four years; in the Archives Department for seven years, six of those as Congregation Archivist; at Siena Heights University, also a legacy institution, as secretary for the McNair Scholars Program for one-half year; and at the Dominican Life Center Clinic for nine years.

Sister Fran was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kathryn Granahan; and her brother, Francis “Budd” Lombaer, Jr. Sister is survived by other loving family members and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Prayers of Committal will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, in the Congregation Cemetery. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Memorial Mass will be in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Those not attending services in person are welcome to participate via livestream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Services, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Note: To view recordings with closed captioning, they must be viewed on our public video library rather than through the links below.

Recording of Sister Fran's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Fran's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

LEFT: From left, the future Sister Frances, left, with her sister Kay at Kay’s first Holy Communion, 1944. MIDDLE LEFT: 1957 graduate from Aquinas High School, Chicago. RIGHT: Frances Lombaer, left, with her sponsor, Sister Rita Cecile Boyle, on Frances’ Entrance Day, June 26, 1957.

LEFT: From left, Sisters Thomas Gertrude (Mary Margaret) Mannard and Virginia Francis (Frances) Lombaer. MIDDLE: Sister Virginia Francis with her brother Budd Lombaer after her Reception in Adrian, December 1957. RIGHT: Family members at a gathering in August 1966 are: standing, from left, Budd Lombaer (brother) holding Robert Granahan (nephew), Virginia Lombaer (mother), Sister Virginia Francis Lombaer, Kathryn Granahan (sister), and Jack Granahan (brother-in-law); and seated, from left, Kevin Granahan (nephew), Frank Lombaer (father), John Granahan (nephew), and Katherine Lombaer (grandmother).

LEFT: Sister Frances during a visit to Rome, 1992. RIGHT: Sisters at a March 1993 discernment session for ministering in Africa are, from left, Sisters Mary Patricia Dewey, Chapter Prioress of Overseas Mission; Christine Matthews, General Council Liaison; Frances Lombaer; Mary Margaret Pachucki; Mary Celeste Lynch; Geneal Kramer; and Jean Tobin.

Members of the August 1991 Portfolio Advisory Board are: back row, from left, Sisters Frances Lombaer, Frances Nadolny, Maureen Fenlon, Juliann Flynn, Marion Coppe, and Carol Coston; middle row, from left, Sisters Corinne Florek, Attracta Kelly, Mary Katherine Dolan, Annette Sinagra, and Marion Goeddeke; and front row, from left, Sisters Patricia Reno, Judith Rimbey, Marie Michael, and Maureen Comer. 

Members of the 2007 Golden Jubilee Crowd are, back row, from left, Sisters Joella Miller, Mary Ann Phillip, Margaret Ann McGuiness, Mary Therese Napolitan, Barbara Cervenka, Sharon Culhane, and Evelyn Montez; middle row, from left, Sisters Joanne Evans, Jude Van Baalen, Janet Traut, Dorothea Gramlich, Eunice Drazba, Frances Lombaer, and Bernitha Glombowski; and front row, from left, Sisters Helen McAllister, Susan Kresse, Katherine Kenny, Joan Kowalski, Monica Kim, Helen Diane McGuirt, and Patricia Brady. Not pictured is Sister Patricia Reno.

Leave your comments and remembrances – if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link.