(1928-2023)

Sister Mary J. Beaubien, formerly known as Sister Clare Olivia, died on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 95 years of age and in the 78th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Mary was born in Adrian to Oliver and Clara (Sierin) Beaubien. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Adrian. She received a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, a master’s degree in nutrition from Michigan State University in East Lansing, and a doctorate in child development and family relations from Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania. 

Sister ministered in all levels of education for 46 years in Elmwood Park and St. Charles, Illinois; Greenville, Detroit, and Adrian, Michigan; Miami Shores and Haines City, Florida; and Youngstown, Ohio. This includes five years at St. Dominic College in St. Charles and more than six years at Barry College (University) in Miami Shores, both institutions of the Adrian Dominican Congregation, and 16 years as a professor at Youngstown State University in Youngstown, Ohio. 

Sister also spent four years in community development and teacher training in Mogwase and Kroonstad, South Africa. She ministered for one year as a funeral assistant for St. Mary Parish in Adrian and 11 years as director of the Siena Heights University Archives.

Sister Mary was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Robert and Joseph Beaubien; and a sister, Cecelia Emerson. She is survived by her sister Margaret Simonis of Defiance, Ohio; other loving family members; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2023. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. Those not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Home, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

 

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Recording of Sister Mary's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by clicking on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen and choosing "Download." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Mary's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by clicking on the three dots at the bottom right corner of the screen and choosing "Download." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

Left: The Beaubien family members are: back row, from left, siblings Sister Clare Olivia (Mary), Robert, Margaret, and Cecilia, and seated in front, Oliver and Clara, parents, 1955; Left Center: Sister Clare Olivia (Mary); Righter Center: Sister Mary J. Beaubien teaches chemistry at Visitation High School, 1963; Right: From left, Sisters Dolores Marie Ferguson, Isabel Marie Jordan, and Mary J. Beaubien, about 1971.

Left: Sister Mary J. Beaubien at her graduation from Penn State University, 1990; Center: Sisters Mary J. Beaubien, left, and Jean Annette Rudolph celebrate Golden Jubilee, 1995; Right: From left, Sister Luisa Campos, Basilia De la Cruz (then a candidate), Ana Feliz, and Mary J. Beaubien celebrate Easter together in the Dominican Republic.

Left: Sisters Mary J. Beaubien, left, and Maurine Barzantni with families in the Dominican Republic, 1999; Right: From left, Sisters Christine Matthews, Mary J. Beaubien, and Geraldine Megel in Kroonstad, South Africa.

Left: Sisters Mary J. Beaubien, left, and Patricia Martin enjoy their time in Myrtle Beach, Florida, circa 2010; Center: Members of the Oakwood House community, from left, Sisters Sharon Weber, Mary J. Beaubien, Mary Patricia Dewey, and Patricia Schnapp (a Sister of Mercy); Right: Sisters Margaret Lane, left, and Mary J. Beaubien celebrate Christmas in the Dominican Republic.

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