Sr. George Ellen Brannick, IHM, age 99, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, surrounded by her IHM family in Monroe.
Mary Louise Brannick always recalled a happy childhood. Born to Thomas and Mary (Hanlon) Brannick and sister to Thomas, Patricia and George, Mary Louise grew up in Jackson, Michigan and attended St. John schools. After high school graduation in 1944, Mary Louise entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe and received the religious name Sister George Ellen.
Sister George Ellen loved her ministry of teaching elementary students, serving for over 50 years, mostly at her home parish, St. John’s in Jackson. Other teaching assignments included St. Hugo, Bloomfield Hills; St. Michael, Flint; St. Mary, Mt. Clemens; St. Thomas, Ann Arbor; and several years at St. Alphonsus Liguori, San Leandro, California. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Marygrove College and later completed a Master of Arts degree in Education from the University of Detroit.
Upon retirement, Sister George Ellen continued to reside in Jackson for several years. In 2007, she moved to the Motherhouse as an independent resident, where she volunteered, participated in community events and was always ready to share a story from her long teaching experience. For many years, she was part of the mail distribution team that circulated incoming mail and packages among residents and staff in the Motherhouse. This service made her well-recognized among staff and residents. Sister George Ellen was kind and shared a sparkling sense of humor in her interactions.
Sister George Ellen is survived by nieces and nephews, and her IHM Sisters in community. She was preceded in death by her siblings Thomas, Patricia and George.
Services will be held at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. Welcoming of the body begins at 9 a.m., followed by a Remembering and Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Streaming begins at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162-7909.
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