Memorial for Sister Mary Lequier

Editor:

On Jan. 2, I attended a memorial Mass for Sister Mary Lequier at St. Theresa’s Church in Summerville. As had been noted in The Miscellany, Sister Mary died in Adrian at our health care center in early December of a short and unexpected illness. The Adrian Dominican sisters, especially those who were closest to her, continue to grieve her loss.

The Mass at St. Theresa is much appreciated. There were about 150 people present for this celebration of life. Sister Mary and Sister Carol Dulka ministered untiringly to the Native Americans, parishioners of St. John the Beloved and St. Theresa, as well as friends and neighbors, Catholic and otherwise, for 32 years. Sister Mary was the most positive person I’ve ever met. She was always an affirming, gracious presence. She never said, “No.”

In 1997 Sister Mary Lequier and Sister Carol received one of the highest honors that a civilian in South Carolina can receive, the Order of the Palmetto. The award recognizes lifetime achievement and service in the state of South Carolina.

In his homily Msgr. [Edward] Lofton spoke of Sister Mary and what she meant to the local community. But he also spoke of the dedicated service of sisters in the U.S. in the course of its history. He spoke of the need for all of us to be people of service, and of how we can learn from Sister Mary’s example. The Mass was an uplifting experience for me and, I believe, for all those present.

Sister Susan Kresse, OP
Myrtle Beach