(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).

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