(1936-2019)

Marie worked hard, often behind the scenes, with no need for thanks or praise. She trusted the call to serve, however it came, and responded generously.

Sister Carol Johannes spoke these words about Sister Marie Quenneville in her homily at Sister Marie’s funeral Mass, further describing Sister Marie as a humble woman, a splendid and creative teacher, and a wonderful witness to the Dominican dedication to truth.

Sister Marie was born January 18, 1936, in Detroit, to George and Marie (Bonten) Quenneville. George was born in Stoney Pointe, Ontario, Canada, where his family had a farm, and met his future wife while he was what was called a “nickel immigrant,” commuting on the Windsor to Detroit ferry – which cost a nickel to ride – to work at the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) factory in Detroit.

Marie Bonten had come to Detroit with her mother, Clara, and two siblings from Antwerp, Belgium, in 1921. Her father, Charles, had arrived at some earlier point to get a job and establish a home, and Clara and her children followed. Not knowing a word of English, they sailed for the United States, went through Ellis Island, and boarded a train for Detroit, where Charles met his family at the Michigan Central train station.