In Memoriam

We Remember

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Sister Gloria (Jonathan) Korhonen, OP

(1929-2024)

Sister Gloria Korhonen might well have not become an Adrian Dominican Sister at all were it not for the five Sisters she met while a student at Wayne State University. In fact, she probably would not have even been a Catholic.

Gloria Virginia Korhonen was born on March 8, 1929, in Astoria, Oregon, to Arvo and Maemi (Matson) Korhonen. Arvo, a native of Finland, was a Lutheran minister and served as a missionary to the Finnish-immigrant community in Astoria. The family moved to Superior, Wisconsin, where Arvo served several Finnish parishes, when Gloria was about three.

She became “a proud Yooper” (as residents of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or U.P., are known), as she described herself in her Sister’s Story video, in about fifth grade when the Korhonens moved to a home just outside of Baraga, Michigan. She attended Baraga High School and graduated in 1946.

Her considerable talents in music earned her a scholarship to the University of Michigan. She completed her bachelor’s degree in 1950, taught music at a school in Ohio for a year, and then moved to Detroit to teach at a public grade school.

Because she needed to take classes in order to stay accredited, she enrolled at Wayne State, deciding to earn a master’s degree in special education because she admired the work the special-education teacher at her school was doing and thought it would be a good career for herself. And this is where the Adrian Dominican Sisters become part of her story.

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

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

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Showing 4 Comments

Mary Scallion 3 months agoReply

Unfortunately I never knew Sister Gloria personally. I have, however, been privileged to see and experience her legacy of music and faith. This legacy will live on in the Choir of St. Joseph. God bless you Sister Gloria, thank you for a life well lived, and for sharing your gifts.

Eric Rucker 3 months agoReply

Sister Gloria was one one of the most influential persons favorably impacting my life (and I suspect others as well). May she continue to make beautiful music with all the choirs of angles in heaven.

Cheryl (White) Jackson 3 months agoReply

Sister Gloria was my music teacher at PH Catholic High School, an inspiration in my life, and a friend to me and my family. May she rest in eternal peace with her loving God.

Fran W 3 months agoReply

No one could meet Sr. Gloria and not be changed by her love of God and music. I feel very honored to have been able to be a part of her Chorale from day one and to be able to call her my friend. She was a constant inspiration to me and will always be so. Looking forward to singing with her angel choir in heaven.

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Cemetery of the Adrian Dominican Sisters

Our Adrian Dominican cemetery with its circular headstones is a beautiful place of rest for women who gave their lives in service to God — and a peaceful place for contemplation and remembrance.