Sr. Mary Alexander Hedwig Mikolajczyk, CSSF, of Detroit, 12th provincial minister of the Livonia province, completed her life’s journey of 89 years on May 22 in St. Joseph Care Center, Livonia. Sr. Mikolajczyk was 71 years in religious life.

The fifth of seven daughters of Joseph and Wanda (Boguszewska) Mikolajczyk, Hedwig was born July 9, 1923. Baptized at St. Casimir Church in Detroit, she attended St. Andrew School from 1930-37, where she was confirmed by Bishop Michael Gallagher. Her sister, Sophie, also a Felician sister, was known in religious life as Sr. Mary Euphemia.

After graduating from Felician Academy in Detroit, she entered the postulancy of the Felician sisters in Livonia in 1941. She received the name Sr. Mary Alexander and pronounced first profession of vows in 1943 and final profession in 1949.

Sr. Mikolajczyk earned a baccalaureate degree from Madonna University and a master’s degree from St. Bonaventure University at Olean, N.Y.

On a journey that spanned 58 years in the ministry of education, Sr. Mikolajczyk taught at Immaculate Conception, Detroit; St. Hyacinth, Bay City; St. John Cantius, Detroit (Delray); St. Michael, Livonia; and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Wyandotte. Appointed principal at St. Michael School in Livonia from 1957-63, she also coordinated the religious education programs at St. Genevieve and St. Pricilla parishes. She served as assistant supervisor of elementary schools. Appointed to Madonna (College) University in 1974, Sr. Mikolajczyk taught theology and philosophy, was the director of the Student Services Center, and organized the Computer Center for Administrative Services.

As the provincial superior, Sr. Mikolajczyk was responsible for more than 800 sisters. A new vice-province in Saginaw was established at the onset of her provincial appointment. The Ladywood convent was built, and land was purchased in Jackson to construct a new home for the children at St. Joseph Home. Maria Nursery for pre-school children was established in the old farm house on the Felician complex in Livonia.

Sr. Mikolajczyk was appointed assistant principal, then principal to Ladywood from 1983-92. The last appointment in the ministry of teaching was at St. Cunegunda in Detroit, where Sr. Mikolajczyk served as principal from 1995-2004, and then as director of Christian services and pastoral minister until 2008. The Blessed Mary Angela Food Center for the needy at St. Cunegunda Parish was established at this time.

Sr. Mikolajczyk is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Resurrection was May 25. Fr. Zbigniew Grankowski, pastor of St. Barbara and St. Cunegunda Churches, was the principal celebrant. Burial was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

Bro. Dcn. Joel Lechner, OSM

Born in Detroit on Nov. 5, 1957, the son of Dr. Monroe and Helen Lechner, Brother-Deacon Joel Lechner died June 16 at deGreeff Hospice after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his parents, twin brother Jon, brothers Gary (Maureen Murphy) and Paul (Rhonda Rehan), sisters Carole (Michael McDonald) and Jane, and 10 nephews and nieces.

Bro. Lechner entered the Servite order in 1983. He worked at Seven Holy Founders, Affton, 1985-88, and professed solemn vows in 1989. He served in several parishes and schools in Chicago and Orange, Calif. Bro. Lechner was ordained a deacon April 30, 2005, and served as principal of Seven Holy Founders School from 2008-12.

A funeral Mass for Bro. Lechner was held at St. Joan of Arc Parish, St. Clair Shores, on June 26. In lieu of flowers, donations for the OSM South African Servite Missions, 3121 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612 are appreciated.