Sr. Elizabeth Bishop OP

Sister Elizabeth formerly of Chesaning died on December 13, 2024, at Aquinata Hall in Grand Rapids. She was 89 years old and a Dominican Sister for 70 years. Sr. Elizabeth was certified as an LPN after attending McAuley School of Nursing, in Pontiac, Michigan, later after working at Guadalupe General Hospital in Santa Rosa, she studied at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and earned her RN and nursing license. Sr. Elizabeth enjoyed working on the family farm, participated in many school activities and she relished the role of cheerleader for the sports teams. During her senior year she was called to religious life, and after her visit to Grand Rapids to talk to Mother Victor, Sr. Elizabeth entered the congregation and took the name Alphonsine after her father. After Vatican II, she resumed using her baptismal name, Elizabeth. Sr. Elizabeth worked in many hospitals, and in medical facilities, she even worked at Aquinata Hall for two years. Sr. Elizabeth was the first of the Dominican sisters to work in a non-Catholic hospital in Grand Rapids and New Mexico. She heard God’s call: “Come Elizabeth, follow me as a nurse and I will give you the gift of healing.” Sr. Elizabeth’s vibrant personality led to many friendships and the ability to tackle any job and go the extra mile, she was a hard worker. Sr. Elizabeth loved music, films, traveling, and arts and crafts. Sr. Elizabeth spent a lifetime in the healing ministry as a Dominican Sister. She will be missed by family and friends and remembered with gratitude for her generous spirit. Sr. Elizabeth is survived by her sisters Rita Narlock, Kate Potucek, Rosemary Heroux, and Grace (Jack) Gaser, many friends and members of her Dominican community. Sister Lorraine will repose at Marywood Chapel of the Word, 111 Lakeside Dr. NE, with visitation on Monday, December 16, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, followed by a Remembering Service at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Tuesday, December 17, at Marywood Chapel of the Word. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Elizabeth’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.

Tributes

Sr. Elizabeth Bishop OP

March 20, 1935 - December 13, 2024