In Memoriam


Sister Mary Tindel, OP (Carl Mary)

(1934-2021)

… People have blood running through their veins. I am wondering if Mary did not have an equal amount of MUSIC running through hers. She was one with her music, her students and her piano. Music brought life to Mary – life that she passed on to students and colleagues alike.

Sister Mary Ann Caulfield, Florida Mission Chapter Prioress, was referring in this quote to Sister Mary Tindel, an accomplished musician who spent her entire life as an Adrian Dominican showing others the power of music to lift spirits and to bring people and God closer together.

Mary Edith Tindel was born on April 28, 1934, in Miami, Florida, to John and Carolyn (Gach) Tindel. She was the couple’s oldest child, followed by her brother John.

Her father, who died of cancer when Mary was just nine years old, was a painter and her mother a housekeeper for a family that traveled to Fishers Island, New York, in the summers, so the Tindel children spent time in either Florida or New York depending on the time of year. Mary attended St. Mary School in Miami for her first four years of school and then went to St. Patrick School in Miami Beach for the rest of her primary and secondary education.

Read more about Sister Mary (pdf, updated with photos 7/7/21)

make a memorial giftMemorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221. 


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Avatar  Danize 3 years agoReply

I will miss you Sister Mary . You brought us so much joy in teaching us how to hold our breath and sing to a higher pitch. You made us laugh so much during choir rehearsal. We always look forward to seeing you. You are now in Heaven, rightfully gaining an Angel assignment.

Avatar  Lilia Santiague 3 years agoReply

I am saddened by the news of Sr. Mary's passing. I have known sister most of my life, I think I met her when I was about 10 years old. She was a teacher, mentor, and friend. I am without words, but know that she is welcomed into the heavenly choir.

To John, her brother, I share my condolences. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Sister Mary will be missed...
Lilia

Avatar  Msgr Terence Hogan 3 years agoReply

Offering prayers for Sr Mary’s eternal rest. I had the privilege of being her organist at St Patrick’s Church, Miami Beach. when I was still in high school. We also collaborated on numerous liturgies and projects over her many years in Miami. She was always so encouraging and gracious. May she now hear the harmony of angels in the heavenly kingdom of which she sang about and for during her years of service and love. Rest In Peace.

Avatar  Sister Kayjoy Cooper acj 3 years agoReply

Sisters, you have accompanied in her final journey one jewel of a Adrian Dominican! I knew Sister Mary
Tindel when she was at St. Martha's parish, Miami Shores, where one of our Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus communities lives. At the time, I was there, accompanying two postulants, both with good voices, one close to professional level violinist. We decided to incorporate into their formation program entrance into Sister Mary's parish choir. They had most fruitful chance to develop their skills with her, no surprise! Little did I know what fine interactions awaited those sisters and all of us! First, I commend the Adrian Dominicans for providing Sr. Mary with opportunities for such a good musical education--you opened for all of us her great talents. Second, I might say that this sister was an outstanding example of HUMILITY; she never insinuated herself into places which could have showcased her self. In fact, some of us who interacted with Mary did not even know the stellar positions she held. Rather, she was so quiet and refined that her presence was an elegance to behold.
She underwent some very unpleasant experiences in the course of her professional life, totally undeserved, and her responses were commendable. Truly you have in heaven a wonderful intercessor -- a genuine follower of Christ and of the Adrian Dominican charism. May she join those of your sisters who help your Dominican Body to thrive. Sister Kayjoy Cooper, acj, now of Wyncote, PA

Avatar  Nery Cummings 3 years agoReply

Sr. Mary Tindel was my mentor and friend. She mentored me when I became an associate to the Adrian Dominicans. Her welcoming spirit, wisdom, sense of humor, love for music and love for God convinced me that I was doing the right thing. Being in her presence was always a joyful occasion. I was blessed to be part of Mary's mission group and I will miss her wise contribution to our conversations. I'm going to miss you, Mary, but I know I have two guardian angels now in heaven, interceding for my Brian as you and Anne Liam loved him so much. I am now confident Brian will make a full recovery. Thank you for being part of my life and making a difference in my life. I love you, forever. Rest in joy!

Avatar  Michaela Ecker 3 years agoReply

It is with great sadness and joy that I write this. Sadness at losing an amazing sister, woman, mentor, musician, etc. but joyful that she has reached our destiny of Heaven, adding her voice to the choir of angels.

I remember at St. Thomas University, shortly after I arrived, she asked me if there was any song that I liked for church. Please note I have no musical ability, but I told her I liked "We Are One Body" that was written for Pope John Paul II for the World Youth Day in Denver, CO. Wouldn't you know, she got the music and implemented the song in our liturgies. Sr. Mary knew how to make you feel special and had such a purity of spirit that radiated from her to you.

Avatar  Brother Mark Spencer, FBP 3 years agoReply

Sister Mary Tindel was without a doubt one of my most favorite and inspirational Teachers, Mentors, and Professional Colleagues!!!! I cannot begin to count how many times I performed under her baton. My Professional and Religious life is so much more enriched because I had the honor & privilege of knowing and working with her. I proudly continue to carry on her work in Pastoral Administration and Music Ministry here at St. Patrick Miami Beach - where Sister attended grade & high school - and - began her Ministry under the guidance of Sister Josepha Maas, OP - and my incredible Aunt, Sister Kathleen (Charles Mary) Donnelly, OP! Please rest in beautiful peace Sister!... and know that I will always remember you with such admiration, respect, and love!!! God Bless You!

Avatar  Brother Mark Spencer, FBP 3 years agoReply

Sister was without a doubt one of my most favorite and inspirational teachers, and professional colleagues!!!!
I cannot begin to count how many time I performed under her baton. My professional and Religious life is so much more enriched because I had the honor & privilege of knowing and working with her. I proudly continue to carry on her work in Pastoral Administration and Music Ministry here at St. Patrick Miami Beach - where Sister Mary attended grade 7 high school - and - began her Ministry under the Guidance of Sister Josepha Maas, OP - and my incredible Aunt, Sister Kathleen (Charles Mary) Donnelly, OP! Please rest in beautiful peace Sister!... and know that I will always remember you with such admiration, respect, and love!!! God Bless You!

Avatar  Brother Mark Spencer, FBP 3 years agoReply

Sister was without a doubt one of my most favorite and inspirational teachers, and professional colleagues!!!!
I cannot begin to count how many time I performed under her baton. My professional and Religious life is so much more enriched because I had the honor & privilege of knowing and working with her. I proudly continue to carry on her work in Pastoral Administration and Music Ministry here at St. Patrick Miami Beach - where Sister Mary attended grade 7 high school - and - began her Ministry under the Guidance of Sister Josepha Maas, OP - and my incredible Aunt, Sister Kathleen (Charles Mary) Donnelly, OP! Please rest in beautiful peace Sister!... and know that I will always remember you with such admiration, respect, and love!!! God Bless You!

Avatar  Kit and Gerry Starratt 3 years agoReply

Sister Mary Tindel, we loved knowing you, laughing with you, singing with you, and sharing the Charism with you. Rest In Peace.
Kit and Gerry Starratt

Avatar  Roy Roberts 3 years agoReply

Today, I am not feeling few expressions. It is about my mentor, my colleague, my friend, Sr. Mary Tindel, OP.

Many years ago, too many to admit with any vanity, Sr. Mary took me under her proverbial wing. Many times did I learn great church music, compositional styles, singing, etc. from her. Many hours I spent with Sr. Mary and the cathedral choir practicing for Christmas, Holy Week, Easter, the recording made when, then, Pope John Paul II came to Miami, then his visit.

I remember her senses. Mary was one with much liturgical sense, a comical sense, and a people sense that was both musical and comical. Funny, Mary’s senses go along with realities about St. Mary Cathedral, such as the incense used for pontificals or other “high” services. One can hear Mary’s choral music bouncing around in the cathedral long after a liturgy much like the incense wafts into faraway corners and remains there for some time.

Sr. Mary Tindel, you mentored me, you directed me, you befriended me, and I am forever changed because of you. Because of you, I worked, also in liturgy and music, for various Catholic churches. Now, I teach as adjunct for Barry University and Trinity Catholic High School in Ocala. I only hope that your spirit and drive continue through me to my students.

Rest In Peace, dear Sister Mary. Rest In Peace, dear friend. Before you awaits your crown of glory.



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