In Memoriam


Sister Noreen Marie George, OP

Sister Noreen Marie George

(1927-2021)

I view my life as a puzzle with almost all of the pieces now in place. The pieces fit, my family and friends, the places I ministered, the Sisters with whom I lived, the students I taught and from whom I learned, the pastors with whom I worked, all the parents and other adults who were part of my life: All in God’s plan.

Sister Noreen Marie George wrote this passage near the end of her autobiography, reflecting on how all of her ministries had turned out to be “just what I needed,” at least once she adjusted to them. “Each influenced my life and helped me grow, to appreciate my blessings, to understand better the meaning of God’s love for me and for all creation, to know the blessings of community,” she wrote. “I am very blessed and so grateful.”

Mary Elizabeth George entered the world on March 6, 1927, in Flint, Michigan. She was the fourth child of Ernest and Margaret (O’Connor) George, and the first girl. The Georges had seven children in all; in addition to Mary Elizabeth, there were John (known as Jack), Eugene, Robert, Donald, Margaret, and Miriam Patricia, who died of pneumonia at just seven months of age. She was named after Sister Miriam Patricia O’Connor, an Adrian Dominican who was a maternal aunt of Mary Elizabeth’s.

Read more about Sister Noreen Marie (PDF) 

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

 

 

Leave your comments and remembrances (if you don't see the comment box below, click on the "Read More" link).

your Comment will be showing after administrator's approval







b i u quote



Save Comment
Showing 14 Comments
Avatar  Martha Ann (Osborn) Huffman 2 years agoReply

Sister Noreen Marie, was principle of Regina High School in Midland,Michigan where I graduated in 1968. She was an amazing woman and served Christ. She walked with dignity,grace,and love. I remember her greetings most mornings at the front door. if you stepped out of line she was quick to let you know she expected better. She was a role model and God's gift to all that knew her. She will forever remain a guiding presence in my life, thank you.
She walks with her bridegroom and has eternal life.What a joyful moment and what a beautiful bride.

Avatar  Christine Howell Dahl 2 years agoReply

I have been blessed to be apart of Sr.Noreens life. She and my Auntie Jeannie (Sr. Jeanne LiBrizzi) were a big part of my life. She was always there. The two of them watched us 5 Kids when our parents went on a trip, they had us for sleepovers, family Christmas parties. She came to so many family functions. She was a great listener. She had a calming effect. I always felt I had the extra in with prayers because she was praying too. Such a smart lady. I am happy for you that you are with those whom have gone before us. Will miss you Aunt Mary, thank you for being
you.

Avatar  Nancy Sulllivan Strenk 2 years agoReply

God bless you, Sister, for all your service.
I have very fond memories of you as you were at Regina during my years.
We will keep you in our prayers.

Avatar  Marguerite Henderson 2 years agoReply

I met Sister Noreen in 1982 at Holy Trinity School one evening as she and Sister Jean were inspecting a machine called a ‘computer’. I was looking for a good fit for my son, Derick Rohrscheib, to enroll him in elementary school in Westmont. When I saw these two in their house slippers welcome me so lovingly I knew we/he had found a new home and over so many years, a new family and lasting friendships to this day.
We wish Sister Noreen eternal peace. 🕊

Avatar  Maureen Sweeney 2 years agoReply

I have such fond memories of Sister Noreen Marie from when I was a student at Regina Dominican in Wilmette in the mid 70’s. She was such a smart, lovely woman! With a dry sense of humor! I regret not taking Latin because then I would have had more time with her. Sister Noreen Marie and Sister Jean Labrizzi were the chaperones on our European tour trip in 1975 and Sister Jean’s father also accompanied us. They were so patient with all of us. I remember a night of charades in Braine, France. And I remember Sister Noreen trying to keep us all awake at the Paris Opera after a long day of touring. We had such a fun time! I am very thankful for the presence of Sister Noreen Marie in my life! May her memory be a blessing for all who knew her.

Avatar  Ann Monaghan McAlexander, Region Dominican '77 2 years agoReply

Miro doctori et amico, gratias pro omnibus me docuisti. Adhuc hodie, prope cotidie, et saepe de te cogito. Requiescant in pace - memoria tua benedictio est ad nos, qui tantopere a te didicerunt.

Avatar  Jan (Balcirak) Lanning 2 years agoReply

I will always remember Sister Noreen Marie (our beloved Principal of Regina High School, Midland), as a determined woman who so thoughtfully and with great love and kindness, guided her students (the Regina Girls). We so dearly loved and respected her. This amazing lady showed her love for us by attending every class reunion or gathering that we were able to put together (along with Sister Carl Marie until her death). You taught us well and we are so blessed to have had you in our lives. Rest in peace as you join God's Angels.
With Love and Peace,
Jan (Balcirak) Lanning

Avatar  Debby Kasper 2 years agoReply

Sister Noreen was such a wonderful person who affected the lives of so many families at Holy Trinity School in Westmont . She guided the school with wisdom. She set a high bar for the students in behavior and education. It is why the students went on to great accomplishments in life.
She will be most remembered for is her kindness and compassion.
We were blessed to have her as our principal.

Avatar  Linda Siler Graf 2 years agoReply

Sr. Noreen was first a principal to us at Regina High School in Midland, MI, but then we knew her as a friend! With wisdom, firmness, and high expectations she guided her students to be the best they could be. As we students grew to adulthood, we learned to appreciate those high school years and that guidance we received. Sr. Noreen and Jean were faithful participants in our class reunions, driving from Chicago, stopping in Flint and then celebrating with us in Midland. Even after Sr. Jean's passing, Sr. Noreen continued to join us at our reunions, and oh how we loved to see her and visit with her! She felt comfortable enough to stay at my home a few times (I felt SO privileged!). It may have helped that we shared the same political views so we could laugh and commiserate together! It was lovely to hear the tributes read at Sr. Noreen's prayer vigil tonight, sharing the view of so many about Sr. Noreen's wisdom, compassion, wit and love for those she met in her life. Sr. Noreen always made us feel SO special, I've always wondered about her "other" students, but it sound like ALL her students were made to feel very special! How lucky for all of us! She was truly a one-of-a-kind friend! I, one of many, will miss her dearly! May the angels welcome you to paradise, may the martyrs greet you on your way, may you see the face of the Lord this day! Alleluia, alleluia!

Avatar  Kathi (McQuaid) Cork 2 years agoReply

What a beautiful woman and blessing Sister Noreen Marie has been to us. In the mid 1960s in Midland at Regina High School I can picture her strong, loving presence there as if it were yesterday. She made smart, strong and even sometimes unorthodox decisions for us young women in her care. In her thoughtful actions, she impressed so much upon us that helped us understand how to approach life.

I am grateful I was moved to call Sister this past summer and she immediately said, oh yes, I remember you. I was not able to attend the somewhat frequent reunions in Midland in the last few years so I had not seen her like some of my other classmates had been able to do. Her voice and presence were still strong and brought me back to so many happy (and some not so happy) days at Regina High.

I remember being in the talent show on stage and doing the Charleston dance when news came that President John Kennedy had been shot. I remember the Prom we had in the Multi-Purpose room, the National Honor Society Induction and so many other milestones in life and education.

May the Lord Bless you and keep you, Sister Noreen Marie faithful servant.

Avatar  Joan Mulvihill Kitchie ‘77 2 years agoReply

I remember S. Noreen Marie so well. I am saddened to hear of her passing. She was lovely.

Avatar  Greg and Linda Sobotka 2 years agoReply

Our deepest sympathy to her wonderful family and all her Adrian Dominican family. Sister was one-in-a-million. She was always caring, considerate, thoughtful, loving and always giving of herself. She will be solely missed. May God give you all strength and peace during this difficult time. R.I.P. Sister Noreen

Avatar  Katherine Fitzgibbon 2 years agoReply

🙏🏻May she Rest In Peace! Many great memories with her as principle of Regina High School where I attended all 4 yrs!
God Bless

Avatar  Joyce Giampalmi 2 years agoReply

I was very fortunate to come to Regina High School in Midland, MI in 1968, for 2 years, as a math teacher -- my first job out of college. Sr. Noreen hired me, and I so admired her and all she stood for. I learned so much, about many things, from her, and I like to think we had a special bond and wonderful friendship that lasted all these years. I am very saddened to learn of her passing, but I know she is smiling on us from heaven. God bless and love you, dear Sister Noreen.



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. 


Helpful Links

Event Recordings (Video Library)

Dominican School Alumnae/Alumni

Become an Adrian Dominican Associate

What do you have to do to become a Sister?

Share our blog, A Sister Reflects

Sign up for the monthly Veritas newsletter (or view our other publications)

Employment opportunities

 


We invite you to meet some of the wonderful women who have recently crossed into eternity.

2024

Recent Posts

Read More »