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Sister Mary Alice Naour, OP

Sister Mary Alice Naour, OP (1933-2025)

Near the end of her St. Catherine letter dated January 26, 1981, Sister Mary Alice Naour wrote:

So I pray – and keep hoping – that my career in music will indeed be a mission of love and service to others that they may indeed be brought closer to the love of the Father for them; that I, too, may grow closer to Him in His constant love for me.

Given that her music ministry spanned some fifty years and touched elementary schoolchildren, high school students, and her Adrian Dominican community itself, she most certainly aided many, many people in their experiences of connecting with God through music.

Mary Alice was born in Detroit on April 20, 1933, to Francois and Blanche Alice (Coté) Naour. She was the couple’s eighth child, following Estelle; Joseph, who died shortly after his birth; Jacqueline; John; George; Paul; and Jim. Another sister, Denise, was the ninth Naour sibling.

Francois, called Frank by his friends and Frenchy by his co-workers, was born in a small farming village near Brest, France, and came to the United States on a freighter in 1914 or 1915, when he was seventeen or eighteen years old. He originally settled in New Jersey, living with his oldest brother, but eventually found his way to Detroit. There, he became acquainted with a family of French heritage who had come to Detroit from Massachusetts several years earlier, the Cotés – and most especially, he got to know the family’s oldest child, Blanche. The two were married on August 8, 1917.

Mary Alice attended St. Ambrose School for all 12 years of her early education and enjoyed school and her Adrian Dominican teachers very much. She often rode her bike around the convent, hoping to see one of the Sisters, and loved helping them at every opportunity. In fact, she wrote, “I stayed around to help the ‘nuns’ so much that Mother would say that I should take my bed down to school.”

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

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

Recording of Sister Mary Alice's Ritual of Remembrance - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as."

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Anne Shaheen 5 months agoReply

I so loved Sr. Mary Alice. We were one of her first classes she ever taught at Dominican High School. My former class mates and I estimated that Sister was no more than 24 or 25 years old. She was my piano teacher. I often stayed late just so I could be around her. I had a wonderful music career in college and as a professional singer doing all types of music thanks to Sister’s interest in me and her exceptional training. Sister was very instrumental in encouraging one of my younger sisters to pursue her music dreams. My sister Molly Shaheen graduated from the University of Michigan in voice. My sister soon met a wonderful lawyer from Chicago and moved there becoming a paid section leader with the Chicago Symphony Choir which performed with Chicago symphony orchestra. She also had a wonderful impact of the singing and performing careers with my sisters Julie and Therese Shaheen. When Sister was better a few of my classmates and I after our 50th class reunion, spent a few days with sister in Adrian spending the night and had so much fun. It became a •sleep over” for adults in their 60’s. Those were wonderful times! God bless you Sr. Mary Alice. I will see you in heaven. I love you so much. Anne Shaheen

Pamela Boney Berger 5 months agoReply

Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear! She was such an important influence to all of us at Dominican high school especially the chorus! I have continued singing all my adult life due to her teachings! Prayers for her and all the sisters in Adrian. I'm sure she will be missed there as well!

Paulette Zmich 6 months agoReply

So sorry to hear of Sister Francis Alice passing. I was in her choral at Dominican High. She led us to the most beautiful happy place with her talent and instruction. I will always remember her smile and the competitions and events we sang in. One of my fondest memories. God bless her and keep her in His care.

Dianna Schultz 7 months agoReply

So sad to hear of her passing. She will be missed but not forgotten. May she rest in peace and let the perpetual light shine upon her..Rest in Peace my dear Sister..

Julie Testori 8 months agoReply

Sr. Mary Alice was our Choral teacher at Dominican. She awakened in me a love for vocal music that has lasted all of my life. She is the reason I became a music teacher, and her encouragement and support led me to a joyful life full of music. For this and so many memories, I will be forever grateful. What a wonderful, musical, truly holy and humble person she was. I’m sure she is resting in the arms of angels.

Elizabeth Moses Claes 8 months agoReply

Sister Mary Alice gave me my voice. I was in her Freshman and Sophomore Choral Group at Dominican. It was my favorite class. As sister mentioned, we sang on stage, in musicals, and at a few weddings. To this day, i sing Hallelujah Chorus and Ave Maria and always think of her. I truly do owe my voice to her. God bless you, sister. And thank you for your lasting gift. I know you are singing with your family in heaven.

Greg Naour 8 months agoReply

OMG. The last of my Dad's, John F. Naour, immediate family. Peace and Remembrance Aunt Mary Alice.

Barbara Frederick 8 months agoReply

S. Mary Alice was one of my first coworkers in Activities when I started at DLC. She was one of the kindest and welcoming. We spoke often while I was still employed there. May her soul rest in peace.

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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.