†Sister Anne Breitag, OP

“Prayer is communicating with God.
Sometimes we talk with Him,
sometimes He talks with us.
If you are silent,
you can hear what God is sharing with you.”
~Anne Breitag OP

Anne was born on September 26, 1944, to Lloyd and Helen Breitag. Her older brother David and she welcomed a younger sister, Mary, a decade later, completing their family.

Anne attended SS. Peter and Paul High School in Saginaw where she was deeply impressed with her teachers who were Dominican Sisters. At the time of her Silver Jubilee, she reflected: “I was drawn to this community by the joyous witness of the Sisters at SS. Peter and Paul School.” Inspired by their example, she entered the Dominican community on September 8, 1962.

After entering the community, Anne continued her education at Aquinas College earning a B.A. with an English Major and later an M.A. in Religious Studies. Some years later, she earned an M.A. in Elementary Education at Central Michigan University and received certification from the Michigan Department of Education.

For thirty-six years, Sister Anne taught Middle School and Junior High, serving as principal in the later years. In her own words, she described teaching as a reward beyond measure. She wrote, “Working with and for children provides daily chuckles and is a great energy source and positive reinforcer.”

Sister Anne was also aware of the challenges of teaching children and their families in difficult times. Paraphrasing Mother Teresa, Anne wrote that the greatest need in wealthy countries is to “let God’s people know they are loved and that they are lovable.” Sister Anne carried this conviction throughout her ministry – as teacher, administrator, and later as a hospital chaplain.

Her teaching ministry included service at St. Joseph’s in West Branch, St. Alphonsus in Grand Rapids, St. Mary’s in Gaylord, SS. Peter and Paul in Saginaw, Sacred Heart in Mt. Pleasant, and at Marywood Academy in Grand Rapids. She later returned to St. Joseph’s in West Branch, as principal and coordinator of religious education. She continued this dual role in parishes in Cheboygan, Cadillac, and Bay City.

Throughout her years of teaching, Sister Anne remained deeply committed to the value of Catholic education. She aspired to work with parents and staff to integrate knowledge through the curriculum in the light of the Gospel, and to foster growth in the Christian virtues through word and example. She described her goal as promoting “recognition and reinforcement of dedication and cooperation among parents, pupils, staff, and administrators.” It is a challenging goal she wrote with humor, “The pay is terrible, but the benefits are out of this world.”

After more than three decades in schools, Sister Anne felt a strong call to engage in the ministry of pastoral care but wanted to prepare thoroughly before beginning a new ministry. Therefore, she completed her credentials for pastoral care at Covenant Health Care in Chaplain/Pastoral Counseling and received certification in Pastoral Education before embarking on her new ministry of hospital chaplaincy for twenty years. In this role, she is remembered for her loving care and willingness to spend as much time as was needed. One friend summed her up with the words, “Day or night, she was there when called upon.”

Sister Anne often expressed gratitude for the blessings in her life – for family, education, and her vocation as a Grand Rapids Dominican. She was grateful to have been able to offer her generous and faithful service in the care of her parents and family members in their final years and for the many friends she had “near and far.” Reflecting on her life, she quoted Dag Hammarskjöld: “For all that has been, thanks; for all that will be, yes.”

Sister Anne was well liked and respected by all who knew her. In her final years at Aquinata Hall, she faced health challenges with grace and affection, calling staff, Sisters, and friends her family. She will be remembered for her contagious laugh, warm smile, and generous spirit.

She enjoyed playing the guitar, reading, listening to music, attending the theatre, and travelling. Treasured memories include a trip through the British Isles with her mother and a memorable journey to Copenhagen, Denmark, with her aunt.

Sister Anne delighted in playing board games, cards, (especially Wild Rummy), crossword puzzles and bingo. A cheerful and lively companion on life’s journey, Sister Anne will be remembered for her great sense of humor and infectious laughter that spilled out with joy. A person who asked little and gave much, Sister Anne, will be greatly missed.

Sr. Anne is survived by her brother in-law Eldon Teller, other family, friends, and members of her Dominican Community.