Sr. Marcella Regan, IHM, age 93, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, surrounded by her IHM family in Monroe.
Born Sept. 23, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to Thomas and Mary Regan, Marcella Mary attended Detroit schools of Our Lady of Help, Nativity and Holy Redeemer, where she was taught by IHM Sisters. Upon graduation from Holy Redeemer High School, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe and received the religious name, Sister Ann Lawrence. She earned her undergraduate degree from Marygrove College.
Sister Marcella’s early years of education ministry began at St. Columban and Marian High School, Birmingham; All Saints, Gesu, Epiphany and St. Mary of Redford, Detroit, St. John, Fenton and St. Mary, Monroe. During these years, she also earned master’s degrees from Loyola University, Chicago and the University of Detroit, as well as further study at Lume Vitae Center for International Studies, Belgium.
In 1972, Sister transitioned to adult religious education at St. Priscilla parish, Livonia, where she directed the program for 10 years. After a year of renewal, she served as provincial coordinator of mission awareness. In 1986, she was missioned to Jesucristo Sacerdote (Juarez, Mexico) in pastoral ministry. Once back in Michigan, Sister Marcella resumed her teaching ministry, first at Holy Redeemer and then at St. Mary of Redford until her retirement.
After relocating to the Motherhouse in 2005, Sister Marcella served as sacristan of the Motherhouse Chapel and was a welcoming presence to all who attended liturgy. She volunteered for her fellow community, often as a driver and companion, and regularly supported the Associate program. Her sense of spirit was admired by friends and staff alike.
Sister Marcella is survived by siblings Dennis, Rita and Carol, nieces and nephews and her IHM Sisters. She was preceded in death by siblings Lawrence, Thomas, Francis, Lois, Dorothy and Mary Jo.
Services will be held at the IHM Motherhouse, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe Thursday, Nov. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. with a Remembering and celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial. Streaming begins at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home, Monroe, Michigan. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162-7909.
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