Sr. Mary VanGilder, IHM, 87, died June 16 at her home, the IHM Motherhouse in Monroe.

Sr. VanGilder was one of five children of Harold and Lilas (Baumie) VanGilder. She was born Oct. 28, 1924, in Monroe and given the name Mary. She attended St. Mary Elementary School and St. Mary Academy for high school, both in Monroe. She became a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe in 1943, taking the religious name of Sr. Mary Andre.

Sr. VanGilder earned a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College and a master’s degree from Wayne State University in Detroit. She taught in formal education for 24 years at St. Joseph in Monroe; Gesu, St. Mary of Redford, Holy Redeemer and Immaculata in Detroit; Our Lady of Lourdes, River Rouge; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Westchester, Ill.; and Marian High School, Bloomfield Hills.

In 1969, Sr. VanGilder took up residence in Rochester and ministered at Oakland Community College in Union Lake for 27 years as a professor of art.

Sr. VanGilder was also a pastoral associate at St. John Fisher University Parish.
She is survived by her brother, James; sister, Blanche (Mrs. John Hunt); and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother, Harold, and twin sister, Maryon VanGilder.

Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated June 18. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery on the Motherhouse Campus. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162-7909.