In Memoriam


Sister Shirley Thielk, OP (Joyce Edward)

(1929-2022)

Fifteen children in all – ten girls and five boys – were born into the marriage of Edward and Hilda (Wellnitz) Thielk, beginning with Elizabeth in 1922 all the way to John, twenty-five years later in 1947. Of them, Shirley was the sixth, born on July 16, 1929.

The Thielks lived in Detroit, where Edward worked at Fisher Body, which was later part of General Motors. Over time, he rose through the ranks to become superintendent for material control. Hilda worked as a bookkeeper for a small company before marrying Edward in 1921.

In a 1985 class assignment at Siena Heights College (University) as Sister Shirley was working on her master’s in counseling, she wrote about her parents:

It seems to me that both my parents were extremely effective in modeling for us, their children, the values they believed in. They did not say to us one thing, and then live another. For one thing, it was very apparent to me as a child that my parents loved each other.

… Dad was also very affectionate, not just to Mother, but to all his children also, kissing and hugging all who were present at his departure from or his arrival home.

Read more about Sister Shirley (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 2 Comments
Avatar  Annie Miller last yearReply

Sister Shirley was my Aunt Shar. She left an indelible impression on me from a very young age. She was always incredibly kind, thoughtful, and her smile made you feel all the goodness of the world was right there in the room with you. Her travels and service to other communities meant that I saw her very infrequently in my adult years, but that did nothing to lessen my affection for her. We'd remind each other of our memories from my early childhood whenever we had the opportunity to visit. I'm so glad I was able to visit with her before the pandemic began. I'll miss her so much. I took great comfort knowing her goodness was in the world with us, but now I take great comfort knowing she's with God, whom she loved and served her entire life.

Avatar  Nancy Kuminski Olsen last yearReply

I am a 1969 graduate of Hoban Dominican High School in Cleveland, Ohio. I remember Sister Joyce Edward. She was such a wonderful teacher & always so kind and sweet. So sorry for your loss and glad she was able to live such a long and fulfilling life. May she Rest In Peace with Our Lord.



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 »