Sr. Marjorie Vangsness OP

Vangsness, Marjorie, OP formerly known as Sister Norbert Vangsness of Grand Rapids (born in Sagola, MI) died on August 23, 2015. She was 98 years old and a Dominican Sister for 81 years. Sister Marjorie ministered faithfully and well in the areas of teaching, Congregational leadership, justice advocacy and pastoral care. Sr. Marjorie earned a BA from Central Michigan University in 1948. In the summer of 1955 she went to France on a Fulbright scholarship. For her graduate work in French she attended Laval University in Quebec, receiving her MA in 1959 and her PhD in 1963. Between times she taught mathematics, Latin and French at Sacred Heart, Merrill; St. John, Essexville; St. Mary, Gaylord; Catholic Central, Muskegon; and Marywood Academy, Grand Rapids. Sr. Marjorie taught French at Aquinas College and chaired the department of foreign languages until her election as Prioress of the Congregation in 1972. After two terms as Prioress, Sr. Marjorie’s search for work in justice and peace resulted in a position as financial and development director with NETWORK, the Catholic social justice lobby in Washington, D.C. She then began a ministry with the home-bound parishioners at St. Anthony parish in Washington D.C., and upon returning to Grand Rapids she led a similar ministry at Sacred Heart parish. In 2012, Sister Marjorie received an honorary Doctorate from Aquinas College in recognition of her life of study and service. As noted in the conferral ceremony at the time, Sister Marjorie “is a strong advocate for peace and justice, a keen student of theology and a vibrant example of Dominican life.” Sister Marjorie is survived by her sister-in-law Carmen Vangsness of Longmeadow, MA; nieces; nephews; cousins; many friends and members of her Dominican Community. Sister Marjorie will repose at Dominican Chapel/Marywood, 2025 Fulton Street East with visitation on Thursday, August 27 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Remembering Service at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 28 at Dominican Chapel/Marywood. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Marjorie Vangsness’ name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Health Care Fund.

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Sr. Marjorie Vangsness OP

October 30, 1916 - August 23, 2015