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Sister Shirley Boettcher, OP

(1930-2024)

Being a Dominican Sister ran in the family for Sister Shirley Boettcher. First, there was Sister Adalbert Wagner, who came to New York from Germany to join the Dominicans at the Second Street convent, later to become the Newburgh Dominicans. Sister Adalbert made profession in 1887, was eventually missioned to Michigan, and became a Grand Rapids Dominican when that group was separated from the New York congregation.

Sister Adalbert’s brother Peter followed his sister to Bay City, Michigan, where he married and raised six children, including Theresa, who at the age of sixteen joined the Grand Rapids congregation and became Sister DeLellis. Two of Shirley’s cousins also entered religious life, including second cousin Mary Louise Hall, who became an Adrian Dominican Sister.

Another of Peter’s children, Edna, went on to marry Edward Boettcher. Edward was born in Bay City but at an early age, after the death of both his father and his only brother, he was placed at the St. Francis Home for Boys in Detroit. He grew up to become an inspector for the city’s gas company, and he and Edna had four daughters: Donna, Phyllis, Shirley (born August 16, 1930), and Elaine.

The family lived on Detroit’s east side in St. Matthew Parish. Shirley’s early education came from the IHM Sisters who staffed the parish school, and by her own admission she disliked school and was a poor student. She was, however, very athletic and played the trumpet.

“The only thing that helped my survival in grade school was daily Mass, ringing the bell for change of classes and blowing my bugle at lunch time to line up for classes,” she wrote in her autobiography.

Read more about Sister Shirley (PDF)

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

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Showing 6 Comments

Patricia DeMaio 4 months agoReply

Sr. Shirley befriended us in Sebring, FL. Her main concern was our growing in our faith and in thr love of God! We were new at homeschooling and she encouraged us along, from the eldest to the youngest , 4 yrs old with Down’s Syndrome. She was joyful, kind and fun, always smiling and filled with the Holy Spirit. We will never forget Sr. Shirley! May God reward her for all she did for others, especially for our family!

Andrew 4 months agoReply

I am a grandson of “Aunt Shir’s” sister Phyllis.

In 1990, after some challenges in my family, when I was 14 years old, Aunt Shir became my favorite “pen pal”. She sent me letters and books to read. I know she was praying for me. For the last 33 years I have been walking with Jesus, and the reason I started is because of Aunt Shir, her prayers, and how she spoke to others (and me) with his love. We continued to write letters every so often throughout my life. I’m so proud of my connection with her, and so happy for her that she is finally now home with her shepherd and teacher. She will be remembered.

James Harshman 4 months agoReply

God answers prayers in many different way. In 2004, our lives were in turmoil, then God sent us Sister Shirley who provided spiritual and medical guidance which stabilized and made clear the direction we should take. Ever since, Sister has always been there in our time of need.
Praise be to God and may Shirley rest in the arms of the Lord forever.

Joan 4 months agoReply

Sister Shirley was a blessing to me during good and bad times. Her compassion and infectious smile were more than enough to get me through anything!!! She was my rock here in Sebring and I will forever remember her in my heart and prayers. I know God hears her so I hope she does the same for me! Rest in the peace of Jesus, my friend. We will meet again in heaven, God willing.

Judy 4 months agoReply

I'll never forget Sr. Shirley. A beautiful, prayerful and loving person. Very concerned about one's soul to help them die in piece with Our Lord. I first met her when she was my roommate on a trip to Lourdes, Fatima and Garanbondol. She taught me a so much and that became the beginning of our many years of long distance friendship. I was able to visit her in Florida and she once was in Texas. May she continue praying for us in heaven.

Mark Wagner 4 months agoReply

Sr.Shirley was a lifelong friend of my family, having befriended my mom in their teenage years on Kelly's Island, Ohio.

For as long as I can remember, Sr. Shirley was a strong, funny, loving lady and was adopted by our family. I especially enjoyed her challenges to me growing up to get up and go swimming in our pool at 6am and she was always there and ready to go!

She will be dearly missed by all who she knew and loved. Rest in peace, Sister Shirley....

Tagged With: Shirley Boettcher, Sister Elaine Therese Boettcher / 1342 Views

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.