(1931-2025)

Sister Charlotte Hoefer, formerly known as Sister Marie Josepha, died on July 16, 2025, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 93 years of age and in the 77th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Charlotte was born in Lafayette, Indiana, to Joseph and Marie (Reuter) Hoefer. She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Adrian and received a bachelor’s degree in Latin from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian; a master’s degree in Latin from Catholic University in Washington, D.C.; and a Master of Theology degree in spiritual direction and a Master of Divinity degree in spirituality, both from Weston College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

Sister ministered 24 years in elementary and secondary education in Chicago; Dearborn, Clawson, and Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Grafton, West Virginia; and Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She also served in various pastoral ministries for 40 years in Adrian, Detroit, and Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and Orlando, Florida. This included 35 years with the Dominican Center for Religious Development, which she co-founded and later served as director. 

Sister Charlotte became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Rita de Raud and Joseph Hoefer, Jr. She is survived by her brother, Michael Hoefer; other loving family members; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.  

Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday, July 21, 2025, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2025. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. 

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

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Note: To view recordings with closed captioning, they must be viewed on our public video library rather than through the links below.

Recording of Sister Charlotte's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Charlotte's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

MIDDLE LEFT: Sister Marie Josepha poses with her family at the time of her final profession in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1952. MIDDLE RIGHT: Sister Marie Josepha enjoys some horseback riding in Roy, New Mexico. RIGHT: Sisters Charlotte Hoefer, left, and Joanne Podlucky visit Sedona, Arizona, 2008.

LEFT: Charlotte, left, in eighth grade, with her blood sister Rita, seventh grade, attend the eighth-grade prom, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, 1940.

LEFT: Sister Charlotte in her teaching ministry, 1985. RIGHT: Members of the Dominican Center for Religious Development staff, circa 1995, are, from left, Sisters Maribeth Howell and Charlotte Hoefer, Rev. Victor Clore, and Sisters Carol Johannes and Rosemarie Kieffer. 

LEFT: Members of the 2007 Diamond Jubilee, February group are, back row, from left, Sisters Charlotte Hoefer, Marie Damian Schoenlein, Shirley Boettcher, and Patrice Eilers; middle row, from left, Sisters Anne Worcester, Elizabeth Condon, JoAnn Fleischaker, Eileen Meyers, Sarah Cavanaugh, and Mary Cecile Quirke; and front row, from left, Sisters Jacquelyn Murray, Catherine Podvin, Imelda Marie Eckhoff, Paul Emelia Brown, Noreen O’Connell, Elizabeth Williams, and Helene Dompierre. RIGHT: From left, Sisters Charlotte Hoefer, Maureen Comer, and Carol Fleming, May 2010.

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