†Sister Laurena Alflen, OP

“Sing a new song unto the Lord.” Ps 96.1

The Alflen family welcomed their newest member, the fifth of what would be ten children, on June 13, 1932. Given the name Rose Mary at her Baptism, after her maternal grandmother, this middle child learned early on how to hold her own in a large, boisterous, and happy family.

Her father worked at the Ford factory building cars – a luxury the family itself could not afford during the years of the Great Depression. Yet this did not deter the resourceful Alflens, who embraced life fully despite limited means.

The family walked everywhere, be it work, school, or church. Rose Mary later recalled how her father would carry her the last few miles to church when her legs grew weary. When she was five, the family moved to a larger home in Lincoln Park where the children explored nearby woods and fields. A large garden helped feed the growing household.
At one point, her father was offered a piano for five dollars – if he could move it. He did, and the instrument became a treasure for this artistically inclined family.

Rose Mary loved school and was often called upon to play the piano for church services. Although she once dreamed of being a stewardess or interior decorator, the call to become a Sister emerged in seventh grade. From that time on, she wanted to become a sister.

In the fall of 1946 Rose Mary entered the aspirancy at Marywood where her days were filled with prayer, study, recreation, and community life. She entered the postulancy in 1950 and began her studies at Aquinas College. When she asked to continue piano lessons, she recalled she was “quickly shuttled to the music department” – a decisive step toward her future as a music teacher.

At the time of her reception, she was given the name Laurena, in honor of her mother, a name she retained for the rest of her life. Sister Laurena cherished her novitiate year with its rhythm of prayer, chanting, organ playing, and community life. She also engaged in practical tasks such as making altar breads, ironing chapel linens, and sewing.
After profession, Sister Laurena taught music at parish schools in Bay City, Grand Rapids, Alpena, and Saginaw. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Aquinas and a certificate in religious studies in the AIRS program.

Sister Laurena later received a Master of Art in Music Education from DePaul University and pursued further studies in classroom music and band at Vander Cook College of Music, the University of Michigan and Westminster College. Recognizing that musicianship and liturgical leadership were related but distinct vocations, she pursued formal studies in liturgy, earning a certificate from the University of Notre Dame.

In 1977, Sister Laurena joined the faculty of the Music Department at Aquinas College. Among the innovations she especially enjoyed were the Valenti Handbell Choir and an electronic piano lab, which allowed her to supervise and teach six students at once.

As pastoral associate and liturgist, she ministered at St. Joseph Church, Roseburg, Oregon, and later in Michigan at St. John the Evangelist, Davison, and St. Mary, Williamston. During these years she also contributed to the Liturgy Commissions for the Dioceses of Portland, Oregon, and Lansing, Michigan.

In 2002, Sister Laurena brought her many gifts of music and liturgy to her service at Marywood as liturgical musician. While these ministries remained central to her life, her interests extended beyond them. Though she regretted that her workload limited her direct involvement in social justice efforts, she was a steadfast supporter of that work among the Sisters and became a founding member of the Women in Black protest movement in Grand Rapids in 2015.

Community was very important to her, both her biological family, her Sisters in the Community, as well as the many friends she met in her ministry and neighborhood. She loved traveling to celebrate with her siblings and nieces whatever the occasion might be. She was always up for a challenging Scrabble board or a competitive Euchre party no matter the time of night. She liked to cook special foods that brought people together for lively conversation and shared stories, and laughter.

At the invitation of the director of Mission Advancement, Sister Laurena participated in a Moth Storytelling Showcase at Wealthy Street Theater in 2015. With impeccable timing and warmth, she captivated the audience with a personal story marked by humor and grace.

In her later years, Sister Laurena discovered yet another outlet for her creative soul – art, specifically painting. Through her music, poetry, and the visual arts, this vibrant and talented woman continued to share her gifts generously.

Through both joy and sorrow, she grew ever more rooted in her trust in God’s love for her and neighbor. While living at Aquinata Hall she supported her sibling, Sister Joan, by frequent visits to her room and telling stories of family and sharing current events.

We have been deeply blessed by her life and will miss her deeply.

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Sister Laurena was preceded in death by her parents, Larena and Joseph Alflen; her brothers Bernie (and his wife Marion), Ambrose (and his wife Dolores), and Gregory; and her sisters Madeline Balogh (and her husband Daniel), Margaret Goyette (and her husband Gordon), Barbara, Theresa Francavilla, Frances (and her husband Gene Diodati).
She is survived by her sister, Sister Joan Alflen and brother-in-law John Francavilla. She is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews, many grand nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and members of her Dominican Family of Sisters and Associates.