(1935-2024)

Sister Beth Ellen Butler, formerly known as Sister Margaret Vincent, died on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 89 years of age and in the 69th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Beth Ellen was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Vincent and Margaret (Cowhy) Butler. She graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Barry College (University) in Miami Shores, Florida, and a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. 

Sister Beth Ellen spent 19 years ministering in elementary education in Chicago, Illinois; Adrian; Jackson, Michigan; Oxon Hill, Maryland; and Miami Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville and Tallahassee, all in Florida. This includes two years at St. Joseph Academy in Adrian, a sponsored institution of the Congregation, and one year at Rosarian Academy in West Palm Beach, a legacy institution of the Congregation. She also ministered for one year as religious education director at St. Columba Parish in Oxon Hill. She later taught and served 13 years as a department chairperson at the college level: five years at Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and eight years at Barry University, both sponsored institutions of the Congregation.

Sister Beth Ellen also ministered 12 years at Dominican Santa Cruz Hospital, Santa Cruz, California, a legacy institution of the Congregation, as the supervisor of public safety, followed by two years as the supervisor of environment of care and 11 years in patient and staff satisfaction. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2023.

Sister Beth Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert and Michael, and a sister, Donelda Steele. She is survived by a brother, Terrance Butler (Judy), other loving family members, and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be from 6:30-7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in the Gathering Space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be at 7:00 pm Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 am Wednesday, June 26, 2024. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery.  

Those not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream.

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)

Enjoy this inspiring interview with Sister Beth Ellen

 

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

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

 

Photo Left: Sister Beth Ellen's First Communion. Photo Middle Left: Sister Beth Ellen Butler, Police Chaplain in Miami, Florida, 1993. 

Photo Left: Sister Beth Ellen Butler works with her sixth-grade students at Queen of the Miraculous Medal in Jackson, Michigan, 1976. Photo Right: The Butler siblings at their mother's funeral are, standing from left, Michael, Sister Beth, Terry, and Donelda and, seated in front, Robert.

Photo Left: Sister Beth Ellen counsels a prisoner at Jackson Prison in Jackson, Michigan. Photo Middle: Officer Mary Lou Woods, left, police partner, with Sister Beth Ellen Woods, 1990. Photo Right: Members of the Barry University community, 1993, are, from left, Sisters Dolores Daehn, Margaret Mary McGill, Beth Ellen Butler (standing), Diane Odette, Elizabeth M. McFadyen, and Yolanda Pomante.

Members of the 2014 Diamond Jubilee August Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Ana Feliz, Susan Mary Parker, Joyce Hibbert, and Patricia McCarty; middle row, from left, Sisters Diane Weifenbach, Barbara Gentry, Dorita Wotiska, Mary Trzasko, Dorothy Dempsey, Beth Ellen Butler, and Phyllis Kreiner; and front row, from left, Sisters Jeanine Boivin, Anele Heiges, Yolanda Pomante, and Ruth Anne Kelly. Not pictured are Sisters Louise Borgacz and Alice Marie Schmid. 

Leave your comments and remembrances – if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link.