†Sister Agnes Mary Wojtkowiak, OP

“Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God” (Romans 15:7).

Sr. Agnes Mary Wojtkowiak was born on January 10, 1941, in Gaylord, Michigan, the sixth of nine children born to Casimer and Mary Wojtkowiak. Her early years were shaped by the rhythms of farm life, as both parents worked tirelessly to maintain the family’s livelihood. However, tragedy struck when she was just four years old—her father passed away in an accident, leaving her mother to shoulder the responsibility of raising the children while continuing to work on the farm and in the school lunchroom. Despite these hardships, faith and resilience remained at the heart of their family life, providing the foundation for Sr. Agnes Mary’s lifelong commitment to service.

Among those who influenced her spiritual journey was her aunt, Sister Ann Eugene Piasecki, OP, whose example of religious devotion inspired Sr. Agnes Mary to consider a similar path. With the unwavering faith of her family as her guiding light, she joined the Dominican Sisters congregation in 1958, dedicating her life to faith, education, and pastoral care.

Sr. Agnes Mary’s ministry began in the classroom, where she quickly found joy in nurturing young minds. Her first year on mission was spent teaching first grade at St. Mary’s School in Saginaw. This was followed by five years at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish School in Grand Rapids, where she worked with primary-grade students. She also spent a year in Lowell, teaching second and third grade, before moving to St. Francis School in Traverse City, where she dedicated ten years to teaching first grade.

Her journey in education continued as she transitioned into a leadership role, serving as both principal and teacher at St. Mary’s Parish School in Charlevoix for four years. Reflecting on her time in education, she described these years as profoundly fulfilling, stating that she felt privileged to witness “the miracle of their growth” in her young students.

After two decades in the classroom, Sr. Agnes Mary took time to reflect on her personal gifts and discern a new direction for her ministry. Through prayer and the guidance of trusted mentors, she felt called to pastoral care—a role that would become the heart of her vocation. She found her “home” at St. Michael’s Parish in Muskegon, where she devoted the next 40 years to serving the spiritual and pastoral needs of the parish community. She considered this ministry deeply fulfilling, treasuring each day spent offering guidance, comfort, and companionship to those in need.

Throughout her years of service, Sr. Agnes Mary pursued educational opportunities that enriched her ministry. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College and received various certifications, including from the Aquinas Institute of Religious Studies, a Teacher of Religion certificate from the Diocese of Gaylord, and a Permanent Teaching Certificate from the Michigan Department of Education.

Her warm and welcoming nature left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Whether greeting visitors in person, answering phone calls with kindness, or engaging in impromptu conversations, she made everyone feel valued. Parishioners at St. Michael’s Parish in Muskegon remember her as a compassionate and selfless presence, always ready to offer a listening ear or a helping hand.

At her 40th anniversary celebration at St. Michael’s, Sr. Agnes Mary expressed the depth of her love for the community she had served so faithfully:

“To say that all of you at St. Michael’s are my family is an understatement. We have shared laughter, tears, meals, and milestones. We have grown up and grown old together. But we have never grown apart. Each and every one of you will always hold a special place in my heart and in my daily prayers.”

Upon her retirement, she moved to Aquinata Hall, where she found joy in rekindling old friendships and embracing a more relaxed pace of life. One of her favorite pastimes was playing cards—especially when there were a few pennies in the pot to make the game even more exciting. More often than not, she emerged victorious!

Beyond her ministry, Sr. Agnes Mary had a variety of interests that enriched her life. She was an avid seamstress, took pleasure in preserving foods, and enjoyed cross-country skiing. She loved spending time outdoors, especially near Lake Michigan, where she found peace in nature’s beauty. Music also brought her great joy—whether singing, listening, or simply appreciating a good melody. She was an enthusiastic gardener and cherished social gatherings with friends and family. In her downtime, she could often be found playing Bingo or watching sports, particularly football and basketball.

Sr. Agnes Mary’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love. She touched countless lives through her teaching, her pastoral care, and her unwavering kindness. Though she is missed by many, her legacy of generosity and devotion lives on in the hearts of those she served.

Sr. Agnes Mary is survived by her sisters Rita Butka, Bernadine (Fred) Kilcline, Jane (Michael) Flinn, her brother Tom Wojtkowiak, sisters-in-law, Marie Wojtkowiak, and Barbara Wojtkowiak, nieces and nephew, many friends, and members of her Dominican Community.