Sr. Josine Schafer OP

Schafer, OP, Sister Josine, born Mary Agnes Schafer in Weidman, Michigan died on July 31, 2023. She was 91 years old and a Dominican Sister for 71 years. Sister Josine earned a BA from Aquinas College in 1964, a certificate in Theology from the Aquinas College Institute of Theology, Saginaw in 1967 and an MA in School Administration from Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant in 1974. Certificates for Continuing Education, workshops, and recognitions of gratitude are too numerous to mention. Sister Josine taught the elementary grades at St. Anthony School, Grand Rapids; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Chesaning; St. Joseph, Wright; St. Mary, Lake Leelanau; St. Mary, Gaylord; and St. Mary, Charlevoix. In both Lake Leelanau and Charlevoix, Sr. Josine served as principal. Her last thirty years as a teacher were at Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant, where she became something of a legend for her steadfast kindness and quiet ways. Sisters Josine, Josephine Mary Birchmeier, and Thaddeus Kowalinski were honorary hosts at a Gala in which Sacred Heart Academy in Mt. Pleasant honored the hundreds of Dominican Sisters who had served there for 113 years. Sister Josine wrote that what she liked most about her work was “the idea that we are helping other people. Sometimes we are not even conscious of how we are helping, and it may seem insignificant, but we are doing more good than we realize.” Her observation was verified when she was awarded a certificate by Central Michigan University “for outstanding service and tireless efforts to enhance the education and lives of students.” After retiring from full-time teaching, Sister Josine continued to serve as a substitute teacher and tutor. She enjoyed reading, sewing, knitting, needlecraft, crocheting, gardening, and cooking. She was always up for a board game; Rummikub was one of her favorites which she enjoyed playing each evening with her Sister friends. Sister Josine is survived by her brothers Herman Schafer and Carl Schafer; and her sister-in-law Rose Schafer of Weidman, MI; nieces, nephews, many friends and members of her Dominican Community. Sister Josine will repose at Marywood Chapel of the Word, 111 Lakeside Dr NE, with visitation on Tuesday, August 1 from 6:00-7:00 pm followed by a Remembering Service at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 2 at 10:00 am at Marywood Chapel of the Word. Sisters, Family, and Close Friends are invited to join us in person for the Remembering Service and Funeral. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Josine Schafer’s name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters.

Tributes

Sr. Josine Schafer OP

March 19, 1932 - July 31, 2023