September 26 1938 August 20 2019
Sister Regina’s Obituary A TEACHER, VOCATION DIRECTOR, MERCY HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL/PRESIDENT, AND A SISTER OF MERCY FOR 63 YEARS! Sister Regina Marie Doelker died peacefully at Beaumont Hospital in Farmington Hills, Michigan, on Aug. 20, 2019. She had been hospitalized for a severe brain injury following a fall on August 11. Baptized as Ruth Emma, she was born to Harold and Rosalie (Wolff) Doelker on Sept. 26, 1938, in Highland Park, Michigan. There, she enjoyed a happy childhood with her older sister, Nancy. She enrolled in Our Lady of Mercy High School in 1952, graduating as valedictorian of her 1956 class. She joined the Sisters of Mercy that September. She received the name, Regina Marie, and upon completion of the novitiate, she made first vows. She, along with several other young Sisters, attended Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. There she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. Upon her return to the Detroit area, she began a ministry in secondary education. On Aug. 16, 1964, she made perpetual vows and chose “Serve the Lord With Gladness” as the motto for her silver ring. In Michigan, Sister Regina enjoyed teaching students at Mount Mercy Academy in Grand Rapids; Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Our Lady of Mercy High School, Detroit; and All Saints High School, Bay City. She then served as co-director in the Office of Church Ministries for the Diocese of Saginaw for four years. She went on to serve as director of vocations for the Detroit Province of the Sisters of Mercy for six years. Sister Regina was appointed principal of Mercy High School in Farmington Hills in 1986, a position she held until 2001. She then served as the first Mercy High School President from 2002 to 2010. In semi-retirement, Sister Regina enjoyed being a volunteer tutor at her beloved Mercy High School. When she was ready to fully retire in 2012, she moved to McAuley Life Center. There she enjoyed increased opportunities for prayer and friendship. During her professional life, Sister Regina completed a master’s degree in mathematics at the University of Detroit and a master’s degree in administration from the University of Dayton. She engaged in numerous continuing education courses and she earned a Michigan Permanent Certification in Secondary Education. She also belonged to community and professional organizations including the Mercy Secondary Education Association as an active member and serving on its executive board, National Sisters Vocation Conference, and the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors. Sister Regina was honored in 1997 as Principal of the Year by the Catholic Association of Secondary Principals. In 2010, Mercy High School presented her with a Special Tribute of Commendation. During her tenure at Mercy High School, she served on the Farmington Hills Racial/Multicultural Community Council where she was a strong advocate for inclusiveness in education. Sister Regina is fondly remembered in many ways by many people. She touched their lives through ministry and friendship. She was a ready and cheerful giver, a woman of deep faith, a capable and caring administrator, and she will be remembered as one who enjoyed a good party. She was someone who saw with her heart. She was a faithful Detroit Tigers fan, a friend forever, one who was avid in preparing women who make a difference, as well as a truly remarkable woman…these are only a few of the descriptions heard at the word of her death. Sister Regina’s Welcome Home Service is scheduled for Friday, August 23, at 3 pm, followed by her Vigil Service at 7 pm, in the Sacred Heart Chapel of the McAuley Life Center, 28750 W. 11 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Sister’s Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Saturday morning, August 24, at 10:30 am (in state at 9:30 am) in the Mercy Center Chapel, 28600 W. 11 Mile Rd., (enter through the “D” wing door), Farmington Hills. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield. Mercy High School has established a scholarship fund in her honor. To learn more, click here. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sister Regina Marie Doelker RS September 26 1938 August 20 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Farmington Hills, state: Michigan