Sister Nancy Fischer, the principal of St. Joseph School from 1969 until her retirement in 2002, died today, March 25, 2015. She was 82 and had been a member of the Adrian Dominican Congregation for 63 years.
The Dominican order will hold funeral services on Monday in Michigan. St. Joseph Church is planning a mass for Sister Nancy in April.
Sister Nancy touched the lives of hundreds of children while at St. Joseph School, and left an indelible mark on the parish guiding families through the thriving Catholic school.
When Mariann Reilly was a student at St. Joseph School, “It was Sister Nancy’s guidance that made me realize I wanted to pursue a career in teaching,” After college, Sister Nancy hired Reilly to join the staff.
“She was more than a boss… she was my mentor, my inspiration and, most importantly, my friend. After she retired she continued to be an important part of my life as an extended family member helping me through difficult times and celebrating wonderful life milestones,” Reilly added.
Sister Nancy was born in Chicago and graduated from Lourdes High School in Chicago. She received a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in English from Siena Heights (College) University in Adrian, Mich., and a Master of Education degree in guidance from DePaul University in Chicago.
Sister spent more than 50 years as a teacher and school administrator in Catholic schools in Detroit, Toledo, Jolliet, Chicago, Loves Park and Homewood. After she retired, she stayed in the community living her days in Homewood, and was a participant at mass and at St. Joseph Parish activities.
Sister Nancy is survived by a cousin, Jeannie Fischer of Estes Park, Colo. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sister Claret Marie Fischer, who also was an Adrian Dominican sister. Her brother, Father James Fischer, was a Roman Catholic priest, who Sister Nancy visited regularly at his church in England. He died two years ago.
Services for Sister Nancy at the Adrian Dominican facility will begin on Sunday, March 29, with a wake from 6:15 to 7 p.m. in the Rose Room of the Dominican Life Center,1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Mich. The Reception of the Body and Vigil Prayer will be at 7 p.m. in St. Catherine Chapel.
The funeral mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel on Monday, March 30, at 10:30 a.m. The Rite of Committal will be in the Congregation cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221.
