In Memoriam

We Remember

Sister Alice Riegel, OP

Sister Alice Riegel, OP (1930-2025)

Alice was a true daughter of St. Dominic – living the vows: simple life, sharing what she had with others, always being obedient to what the Congregation was asking of her and loving God with her whole soul, mind and spirit. She always gave herself 100 percent to whatever she was asked to do – even if it meant going to Puerto Rico when she didn’t know Spanish.

This description of Sister Alice Riegel came from her good friend Sister Mary Kay Homan in her homily for Sister Alice’s funeral. “Alice has many titles: sister, aunt, friend, confidante, supporter, and cheerleader – giving people the strength to make difficult decisions and to see God’s hand in any decision,” Sister Mary Kay continued. “Alice was my FRIEND. She was a gift from God.”

Alice Agnes Riegel was born on July 28, 1930, at a hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, not far from the couple’s home on Detroit’s west side, to Alden and Laura (Ouellette) Riegel. She was the couple’s first child, born just two days shy of their second wedding anniversary. Three more children were to follow: Mary Lou, Carol Anne, and William Alden.

The country was in the early months of the Great Depression, and the Riegels felt the impact. The day after Alice was born, Alden came to the hospital to bring his wife a small cradle that had been passed down through the family, filled with flowers. When Laura wondered how he could be there instead of at work, he told her that he had lost his job. He later went to work at a dairy.

After Mary Lou was born, the family moved to a different home a few miles away. They attended St. Brigid Church and, in the parish school, “God’s plan for me began,” she wrote in her autobiography – for there, she was taught by the Adrian Dominican Sisters.

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

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Showing 5 Comments

Debbi Ruel 5 months agoReply

I had the privilege and pleasure to know Sr. Alice through her lovely family, as her sister, Mary, was our neighbor and friend. Sister Alice always had a shining countenance and sweet words. She loved her family dearly and deeply. It is a blessing to have met her and to have spent time with her in this life.

Ray Colby 7 months agoReply

God Bless Sister Alice. I taught religious Education at St. Joan of Arc in the late 1990's to 8th graders on Monday nights. Sister Alice was such a wonderful person and understood so well how to spread the gospel to so many children. She was always positive, and you could see God working through her. She was a good friend. We used to get her Christmas card every year, and we would send her one as well.

Sincerely,
Ray

Kathy Glaeser 9 months agoReply

Sister Alice was a kind and loving person.She helped me face my Mom dying while I was caring for her. Also made sure I had communion with my mom. She even came to the funeral home and comforted me. Knowing I had lost both my mom and Dad in two years time. She gave me great big hug before she left. She was so kind. I will pray for her!

Cathy 9 months agoReply

I had the pleasure of volunteering in the REP department with Sister Alice in her time at St Joan of Arc in Saint Clair Shores, Michigan.
I Loved working with her. I loved her honesty and her realistic approach to life. I’ll always remember when she showed the students the line on her forehead from her veil from so many years of her life.
I know and pray that she is at peace with God in heaven. A well-deservers reward for a well-lived life.

Mary Cal 9 months agoReply

Sr. Alice was such a giving and loving person. I first met her when I became a catechist at St. Joan of Arc in St. Clair Shores. She trained me and then a few years later she joined our Exceptional Needs RE team. She had a unique understanding of what students, catechists, families and others needed to come to Jesus.
When I was with her, I could feel the Lord's love radiating from her smile and through her eyes. She will be missed but I can still feel her love.

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Cemetery of the Adrian Dominican Sisters

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.