Sr. Mary Honoria (Mary) Bartoszek, CSSF, of Manistee, Michigan, age 96, religious life for 77 years, entered eternal life May 25,2025, in Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, Livonia, Michigan.
Born in the beautiful countryside of Manistee, Michigan, to John and Bernice (Szplit), Mary, a twin, was the 4th of 5 children: Beatrice, Donald, Joseph, and twins, Mary (SM Honoria) and Betty. Baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Church, Manistee, Mary attended Oak and St. Joseph elementary schools. After one year in Manistee High, Sister transferred to the newly erected St. Joseph High School in Manistee and was in the first graduating class of 1947.
From her early years, Mary often assisted others and helped in many ways. Whether it was mopping and dusting the home of a relative, cutting the grass or cleaning a yard, Mary was there with a smile. During this time, Mary felt the gentle call of the Lord to religious life. Following graduation, she was accepted into the Felician Congregation and invested with the Felician habit on August 15, 1948, receiving the name Sister Mary Honoria. Her first vows were professed in 1949 and final profession on August 12, 1955.
In preparation for a ministry of teaching that spanned 49 years, (1950-1999) Sister Mary Honoria earned a bachelor’s degree from Madonna University, Livonia, MI., and was granted teaching certification in both Michigan and Ohio in the following schools: St. Louis the King, Help of Christians, and Sacred Heart - all in Detroit; St. Anthony, Toledo, Ohio; St Stanislaus, Jackson; St. Valentine, Kawkawlin (Beaver); St. Stanislaus, Toledo, Ohio; St. Stanislaus, Dorr (Hilliards); St. Stanislaus, Ludington; St. John Vianney, Wyoming; St. Jude, Grand Rapids; Holy Rosary, Cedar; St. Joseph, Manistee; St. Joseph, Jackson; and St. Michael, Southfield. This kind and gentle sister enriched many lives as an effective educator.
In 1993, Sister Mary Honoria was one of the sisters chosen by lottery to travel to Rome to attend the Beatification of Blessed Mary Angela, Foundress of the Felician Sisters.
Although her teaching days ended, retirement was not around the corner. Sister Honoria held the following appointments from 1999 – 2008 as Assistant Administrator for the Kindergarten at St. Joseph Home, Jackson, and Local Minister, sacristan, and Center Aide at Maryville Center, Holly, MI.
In 2011, Sister was transferred to Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, Livonia, and assigned to house duties which included sewing and mending. Known for her culinary arts, deserts were a welcome treat. On special occasions Sister Honoria’s home-made “Crème Puffs,” with a light, cream filling and a flaky crust, were enjoyed by all.
One of sister’s favorite sites was the Fatima Grotto on the grounds of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, Livonia. There, with her long-time friend, SM Presentine Ugorowski, they recited the rosary daily and filled the surrounding space with songs to the Blessed Mother.
Sister’s health status slowly declined over the years. On May 25, 2025, at 11:44 p.m. Sister Mary Honoria slipped peacefully into God’s eternal embrace to meet the Lord whom she served so faithfully on earth.
Morning Prayer began at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, followed by the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Richard Bartoszek as celebrant. The service was held in the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel of the Felician Sisters, Livonia, Michigan. Burial was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan.
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