Posted March 07, 2022 in Obituaries
The sum of a person’s life is often captured in what is remembered about her and the impact she had on others’ lives. We recall Sister Michael Marie as a woman deeply attached to family, ministry to those in need and well-rounded in education and personal interests.
Sister Michael Marie’s parents, Michael and Mary, were of Irish descent making her extremely proud of her Irish heritage and the close-knit Griffin family, including her siblings Gregory and Mary. Marjorie herself was a fun loving, energetic and happy person. Her natural athleticism led her to play basketball in school in her youth and then ushered her into becoming the athletic director at Urban Community School and Beaumont as an extended part of her ministry. Her fondness for sports developed into an ardent life-long passion for Cleveland teams and a personal desire to stay healthy with long walks.
As a member of the Ursuline Sisters for 69 years, Sister Michael Marie was known as a devoted, hardworking educator with a deep love of life and people, especially the poor. Her academic ministries included elementary service in a number of schools: Holy Cross, Immaculate Conception (Willoughby), St. Timothy, St. Patrick-Malachi/Urban Community and Our Lady of Peace as well as high school ministries at Beaumont School and Lake Catholic where she became principal. Her positions as Director of St. Malachi Center and Co-director of the Ursuline Institute of Learning at St. Philip Neri were a tribute to her adaptability to serve diverse needs. She also spent a year in Kentucky where she served in the Home Mission Project for Multicultural Outreach.
Sister Michael Marie’s desire for line-long learning was evidenced by her preparation for these many ministries, attaining bachelor’s and master’s degrees and attending workshops and courses to gain needed certification. Reading the daily paper was also a regular ritual that allowed her to stay informed about local and world events.
Her quick wit and sense of humor made her a sought after guest at all family events where “Aunt Margie” spend as much time as possible. Her relatives related numerous stories about her presence at family gatherings where she was deeply loved. A most endearing quality noted by so many was her positive attitude and care for those she served.
Her Ursuline Sisters especially remember Sister Michael Marie for her dedication, sense of humor, willingness to serve wherever she was needed and tenacious determination. She was generous and eager to help out as required. Her retirement and move to Regina Health Center did not dissuade her commitment, including an undying dedication to God who called her to religious life as an Ursuline Sister.
The funeral mass for Sister Michael Marie will be held at Regina Health Center, 5232 Broadview Rd, Richfield 44286, on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at 11:00. Visitation will precede the liturgy from 10:00-10:50. Masks are required.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Ursuline Sisters https://www.ursulinesisters.org.