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(1937-2021)
Sister Leontia (Lee) Cooney, formerly known as Sister Michael Therese Cooney, died on Friday, February 12, 2021, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 83 years of age and in the 65th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.
Sister was born in Detroit to Michael and Elizabeth (Dowdall) Cooney. She graduated from St. Mary Commercial High School in Detroit and received a bachelor’s degree in history from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and a master’s degree in guidance/counseling from Barry College (University) in Miami, Florida.
Sister Lee spent 41 years ministering in many areas of elementary and secondary education in Chicago, Illinois; Nassau, the Bahamas; and Flint, Detroit, Utica, Harper Woods, and Monroe, Michigan. This includes eight years as principal of St. Jude in Detroit, 10 years as counselor and then Guidance Director at Bishop Gallagher High School in Harper Woods, and six years as Guidance Director at Dominican High School in Detroit, an Adrian Dominican institution. She also served the Congregation in Adrian for 13 years as Campus Administrator and Housing Coordinator.
Sister Lee became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers: Bishop Patrick Cooney of the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, and Reverend Michael N. Cooney; and her sister, Mary Alice Cooney. She is survived by her Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Due to COVID-19 mitigation protocols, the Dominican Life Center is closed until further notice to all guests or visitors. All are welcome to participate in Sister’s wake and funeral via live stream.
The Vigil Prayer will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Word Service will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Prayers of Committal will be held in the back of St. Catherine Chapel.
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 Prayer Card (PDF)
Worship Aid (PDF)
Download video. Videos will be posted for 4-6 weeks, then removed.
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I was a frequent flyer of Sr. Lee’s.... 🤦🏻♀️Always being sent home or made to call home because my skirt was too short, or my inside out sweatshirt didn’t count as a sweater, (😂) or my socks were incorrect. She was constantly calling me to her office, such the rebel and difficult child I was. 😬Thank you for the life lessons and for always trying to guide me in the right direction, RIP Sister Lee. 🙏🏻Erinn Simons (former student at St. Jude)
Family friends for years May Sister Lee RIP happy to be with her family All our Love Joanie & Tommy
Sr. Michael Therese was a wonderful teacher and friend. She taught my typing class. She was quick to smile with us and she was probably my favorite teacher! May she rest in peace.
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.
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