(1931-2023)

Sister Elizabeth Ann Demirgian, formerly known as Sister Marie Berge Demirgian, died on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 91 years of age and in the 64th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Elizabeth was born in Flushing, New York, to Edward and Ebrakce (Ekshian) Demirgian. She graduated from St. Patrick High School in Miami Beach, Florida, and received a bachelor’s degree in home economics and chemistry from Barry College (University) in Miami Shores, Florida; a master’s degree in biology and chemistry from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian; and an associate’s degree in science for her physician assistant license from Santa Fe Community College/University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida.

Sister spent over 11 years ministering in education at Visitation School in Detroit, Michigan; Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette, Illinois, a sponsored institution of the Congregation; St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Tampa Catholic High School in Tampa, Florida. 

Sister Elizabeth was a physician assistant for 22 years in West Palm Beach, Belle Glade, Tampa, Jacksonville, Orange Park, Clermont, Kissimmee, and Mount Dora, all in Florida. She also served in ministry to the elderly for eight years at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community in Clermont, Florida. 

Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Archie and Berge. She is survived by loving family members and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Those who are not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Memorial Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023. Rite of Committal will be held at a later date.

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 for Sister Elizabeth

Worship Aid (PDF)

Funeral for Sister Elizabeth

Worship Aid (PDF)

Left: Demirgian siblings Archie, Betty, and Berge; Center: Sister Elizabeth Ann Demirgian; Right: Sister Elizabeth Ann Demirgian looking through a microscope

Left: Sisters Anne Liam Lees, Diane Odette, Ana Feliz, and Elizabeth Ann Demirgian; Center: Sisters Attracta Kelly, OP, and Elizabeth Ann Demirgian in front of Sister Elizabeth’s clinic.; Right: Sister Elizabeth Ann Demirgian ministers as a physician’s assistant with people who are materially poor.

Left: Sisters Elizabeth Ann Demirgian, left, and Joan Marie Weithman; Center: Sister Elizabeth Ann Demirgian lights a candle in the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, considered the first cathedral built in ancient Armenia.; Right: Sisters Nadine Foley, left, and Elizabeth Ann Demirgian

Attending the Diocese of Orlando Christmas party in 2011 are, from left, Sisters Elizabeth Ann Demirgian and Mary Diane McMeekin; Bishop John Noonan; and Sisters Rosemary Thomas Finnegan, Patricia Siemen, Ann Englert, and Clarice Moyle.

Members of the 2008 Golden Jubilee June Crowd-December Reception are: back row, from left, Sisters Mary Anne Yanz, Rita Eileen Dean, Margaret Augustine Exworthy, Charlotte Anne Swift, Carol Bollin, Barbara Matteson, Elizabeth Ann Demirgian, and Maureen Fenlon, and front row, from left, Sisters Sharon Beckmann, Patricia Stellmah, Phyllis Duffie, Joan Hinz, Mary Miday, Patricia Ann Dulka, Veronica Kelley, Lorraine Mordenski, and Judith Ann Nelson.

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