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(1935-2025)
Sister Rita Brunett, formerly known as Sister Raymond Cecile, died on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 89 years of age and in the 73rd year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister Rita was born in Detroit to Raymond and Cecilia (Gill) Brunett. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Adrian and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in counseling from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Sister ministered for 24 years in elementary education and two years in adult education in Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Northville, and Wyandotte, Michigan; and Toledo, Ohio. She served as a hospital chaplain for one year in Norwich, Connecticut, and two years in Canton, Ohio. Sister ministered six years as the Associate Director for Family Life in the Diocese of Toledo, Ohio. She also served as the Nursing Service Coordinator at Maria Health Care Center (Dominican Life Center) and for more than four years as a pastoral minister in Livonia and Royal Oak, Michigan.
Sister Rita became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 1994. She was preceded in death by six siblings: Raymond Brunett (Beverly), Most Rev. Alex J. Brunett (former Archbishop of Seattle), Michael Brunett (Juanita), Anne Brunett (former Adrian Dominican Sister), William Brunett (Joan deceased), and Grace Kassa (Jerry). She is survived by seven siblings: John Brunett (Patricia), Rose Philips (Armon) (former Adrian Dominican Sister), Jean Dawson (Richard), Mary Jennings (Edmun) (former Adrian Dominican Sister), Paul Brunett (Ann), Ruth Brunett, and Margaret Kassa (George deceased); other loving family; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 5, 2025, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery.
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 Home, Adrian.
Recording of Sister Rita'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 Rita's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)
LEFT TO RIGHT: Rita Mary in 1938, about 2 or 3 years old; Rita Mary, 4 years old; First Holy Communion, circa 1942; Graduating from St. Joseph Academy, 1950.
CENTER: Blood sisters, from left, Sisters Rita Margaret (Ann), Rita Gerald (Rose), Raymond Cecile (Rita), and Rita Michael (Mary), circa 1955. RIGHT: Sister Rita Brunett on Hat Day, September 1, 1995.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Sister Rita with her mother; Sister Rita Brunett and Associate Carol Jean Kaufman, a chaplain; Sister Rita with her friends, Simba and Pooh Bear
Members of the St. Philomena community are, from left, Sisters Mary Louise Gass, Norma Dell, Rita Brunett, Mary Kay Homan, and Nadine Sheehan.
Members of the 2011 Diamond Jubilee are: back row, from left, Sisters Attracta Kelly (Prioress), Julianne Wolny, Jeannine Holway, Anne Liam Lees, Judith Ann Lieder, and Agnes Peplinski; middle row, from left, Sisters Elizabeth Lynch, Rita Brunett, Thérèse M. Haggerty, Mary Daria Herbella, Catherine Ahern, and Elisa Joan Doherty; and front row, from left, Sisters Dolores Marie Dolan, Dolores Slosar, Nancy Hanna, Celine Marie Regan, Marian Edward Guethlein, and Clara Ann Budenz.
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(1939-2025)
Sister Janet Traut, formerly known as Sister James Kathleen, died on Friday, April 25, 2025, at her home in Dearborn, Michigan. She was 85 years of age and in the 67th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister Janet was born in Evergreen Park, Illinois, to James and Ethel (Heinrich) Traut. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago and obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, Michigan, and a master’s degree in sociology-education from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Sister Janet spent 40 years ministering in elementary education in Flint, Detroit, Redford, Dearborn, and Dearborn Heights, Michigan. She served for more than a year in adult education and four years as a staff member at the Siena Literacy Center in Redford, Michigan.
Sister Janet was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters. She is survived by her sisters Linda Marquardt, Judith Raica, Susan Jelinek, and Bernadette Larimer; nieces, nephews, other loving family members; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Prayers of Committal were held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the Congregation Cemetery. A Memorial Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025. Those not attending the service in person are welcome to participate via livestream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.
Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)
Recording of Sister Janet's Memorial Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)
Recording of Sister Janet's Ritual of Remembrance - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as."
LEFT: Baby Janet, 1939. MIDDLE LEFT: First Holy Communion, third grade, 1947. MIDDLE RIGHT: Janet at her graduation from St. Killian Grade School, Chicago, 1953. RIGHT: Graduation from Aquinas High School, Chicago, 1957.
MIDDLE: Janet with her parents, James and Ethel, on her Entrance Day, June 26, 1957.
LEFT: Sister James Kathleen with her six sisters – Marjorie, Kay, Bernadette, Judy, Linda, and Susan – on her Reception Day, December 26, 1958. RIGHT: Sister Janet Traut, left and her good friend, Sister Annette DeSloover.
Members of the 2017 Diamond Jubilee December Reception Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Frances Lombaer, Bernitha Glombowski, Evelyn Inez Montez, Patricia Siemen (Prioress), Mary Ann Phillip, Mary Therese Napolitan, and Joella Miller; middle row, from left, Sisters Janet Traut, Jude Van Baalen, Joan Kowalski, Barbara Cervenka, Patricia Brady, and Margaret Ann McGuiness; and front row, from left, Sisters Helen McAllister, Susan Eliane Kresse, Helen Diane McGuirt, Eunice Drazba, and Dorothea Gramlich.
(1928-2025)
Sister Pauline Opliger, formerly known as Sister Paul Raymond, died on Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 97 years of age and in the 68th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister was born in Rice, Kansas, to Harry and Della (Stevens) Opliger. She graduated from Covert High School in Covert, Kansas, and received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois; a master’s degree in fine arts from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian; and a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary College in Moraga, California.
Sister spent 46 years ministering in education in Adrian, Detroit, and Dearborn, Michigan; Chicago and Wilmette, Illinois; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Oakland, California; and Las Vegas, Nevada. She taught at four Congregation institutions: St. Joseph Academy in Adrian for three years, Dominican High School and Academy in Detroit for one year, Aquinas Dominican High School in Chicago for eight years, and Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette for 15 years.
Sister Pauline became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2008. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Mark and Leland; and a sister, Lila Bailey. 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 Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery.
Those not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.
Recording of Sister Pauline'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 Pauline's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)
LEFT: Pauline as a student at Covert High School, Covert, Kansas.
LEFT: Sister Pauline Opliger paints one of her many liturgical paintings that have adorned the gathering space of the St. Catherine Chapel, May 26, 2013. RIGHT: Attending a Regina Dominican High School function are, from left, Sisters Pauline Opliger, Joan Krajewski, and Marion O’Connor.
LEFT: Adrian Dominican Sisters at a Dominican Institute for the Arts gathering are, from left, Sisters Kathleen Voss, Janice Holkup, Pauline Opliger, Patricia Spangler, Janet Wright, and Rosaire McAuliffe. RIGHT: From left, Sister Pauline Opliger, Jean Hanley, Dolores Smolke, and Jeanne Stickling.
Members of the 2016 Diamond Jubilee June crowd are, back row, from left, Sisters Margaret (Peg) O’Flynn, Catherine Camille DeClercq, Jean Crane, Grace Dougherty, and Grace Henneberry; fourth row, from left, Sisters Mary Margaret Mannard, Mary Plunkett, Marian Castelluccio, Attracta Kelly (Prioress), and Donna Joan Mehney; third row, Sisters Jeanne Lefebvre, Patricia Downey, Maureen Gallagher, and Mary Kathryn Cliatt; second row, from left, Sisters Marie Luisa Vasquez, Mary Catherine Gagliano, Jean Tobin, and Rosario Martin; and front row, from left, Sisters Pauline Opliger and Sally Ann Fergus.
(1936-2025)
Sister Margaret “Peggy” Manners, formerly known as Sister Thomas Annine, died on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 88 years of age and in the 69th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister Margaret was born in Detroit to Vincent and Mary (Montgomery) Manners. She graduated from St. Gabriel High School in Detroit and obtained a bachelor’s degree in history from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in American History from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Sister spent 52 years ministering in education in Belding, Saint Joseph, Detroit, Dearborn, Adrian, Harper Woods, and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. This included five years as a teacher and seven years as principal at Dominican High School, Detroit, an institution of the Congregation, and nine years as a high school principal in Bloomfield Hills.
Sister Margaret served three years as placement director/counselor at Siena Heights College (University), a Congregation-sponsored institution. She ministered for four years as an English as a Second Language (ESL) tutor and teacher in Boca Raton, Florida, and at the Congregation-sponsored DePorres Place Literacy Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. She also volunteered for more than a year as a pastoral worker in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Sister Margaret became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her siblings, Paul Manners and Sharon Bretz, other loving family members, and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, April 14, 2025, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery.
Those who are not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.
Recording of Sister Margaret'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 Margaret's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)
LEFT: At the age of 2. MIDDLE: Peggy, right, with her sister Sharon and brother Paul. RIGHT: With her mother on Entrance Day, 1955.
MIDDLE: Sister Margaret as a social studies teacher at Dominican High School, Detroit, 1976-1981. RIGHT: Sister Margaret with Ebony.
LEFT: From left, Sisters Karen Lietz and Margaret Manners. MIDDLE: From left, Sisters Patricia Erickson and Margaret Manners.
LEFT: Members of the Peace Mission Group in Florida are, back row, from left, Sisters Joan Leo Kehn and Jean Rosaria Fisch; Associate Patricia O’Neill; and Sisters Mary Ann Caulfield (Chapter Prioress), Mary Therese Napolitan, and Frances Madigan. Seated in front are, from left, are Sisters Carmen Rose Álvarez, Karen Lietz, Margaret Manners, and Grace Henneberry, and Associate Barbara Ouellette. RIGHT: Members of the 2015 Diamond Jubilee December Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Rosalie Esquerra, Kathleen Waters, Norine Burns, Molly Nicholson, Sheila Delaney, and Nancyann Turner; third row, from left, Sisters Leontia Cooney, Barbara Long, Margaret Manners, Mary Kastens, and Joan Leo Kehn; second row, from left, Sisters Mary Hemmen, Anneliese Sinnott, Joan Mary, Jo Ann Lucas, and Elizabeth Gibbons; and front row, from left, Sisters Esther Ortega, Marilyn Uline, Arlene Seckel, Ann Ziemba, and Jovanna Stein.
Our Adrian Dominican cemetery with its circular headstones is a beautiful place of rest for women who gave their lives in service to God — and a peaceful place for contemplation and remembrance.
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