Sister Michael Marie of The Rosary, OP, 85

July 18, 2013

Sister Michael Marie of The Rosary, OP, died peacefully in the Lord on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at the Monastery of the Dominican Nuns of The Perpetual Rosary in Lancaster. Born Monica A. Cygrymus on August 17, 1927 in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late Leon J. and Agnes B. Switala Cygrymus.
Sister Michael Marie joined the Dominican Nuns on Sept. 12, 1943 and made her religious profession on August 6, 1944. She entered at an early age and served the community in many responsible posts throughout her 69 years in Religious life. As portress, she had a ready smile and cheery word for all who came to the monastery door. She worked diligently as sacristan, infirmarian, gardener, and laundress. Later, Sister was appointed Bursar, Procuratrix, Novice Mistress, Subprioress, and was elected Prioress for several 3-years terms. She loved to sing for the Lord, the love of her life and excelled as leading Chantress for many years. A perfectionist, Sister accomplished many beautiful works of art in calligraphy, illumination, and in embroidery of altar linens. Her fervent and generous spirit was a source of edification in community that radiated in her correspondence with many friends.
Sister loved blessed John Paul II and shared his zeal for the Blessed Eucharist and Our Lady’s Rosary.
She is survived by a sister, Gertrude M. married to James McCormick of Wadsworth, OH, several nieces and nephews, and by her three sisters-in-law: Delores, Theresa and Patricia, all of Pittsburgh. She was preceded in death by her three brothers: Edward, Paul, and Ronald Cygrymus and by one sister, Florence Crump.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Monastery Chapel, 1834 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA on Monday, July 22, 2013 at 10:30AM, with the Rev. Elias C. Henritzy, OP as Celebrant. A viewing will take place in the Monastery Chapel on Sunday evening, July 21, 2013 from 6:30-8:00PM and again prior to Mass on Monday from 9:30-10:30AM.