Sister Geraldine Arnold CSJ

Geraldine Arnold was born in Bay City, Michigan on December 21, 1931, the daughter of Lawrence and Louise (Conkle) Arnold. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Ecorse, Michigan at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 1, 1949. Geraldine received the name Sister Mary Laurice at her reception on January 3, 1950 but returned to the use of her baptismal name in later years. She pronounced first vows on January 3, 1952 and final vows on January 3, 1955. Sister Geraldine earned a BS degree in Home Economics from Nazareth College followed by a MA in Theology from St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. In 1998 Sister Geraldine was certified as a procurator-advocate for the Archdiocese of Detroit Marriage Tribunal. She taught in many schools of the Congregation including: St. Rita, Detroit; St. Gertrude, St. Clair Shores; St. Agnes, Flint; St. Jerome, Battle Creek; and Barbour Hall, Nazareth. She later transitioned into religious education, adult faith formation and pastoral ministry at St. Anne Parish, Warren; St. Hubert, Mt. Clemens; St. Philomena, Detroit; and St. Veronica, Eastpointe. During many of these years she team-ministered with Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak and for twenty years they directed religious education programs at Selfridge Air National Guard Base on week-ends and evenings. In 2007 Sister Geraldine came to St. Catherines Church in Algonac as co-minister with Sister Mary Ann. Sister Geraldine possessed a warm, pleasant personality. Wherever she went she was a welcoming, compassionate presence. Her strong faith and her ability to be a good listener were personal assets that she brought to all with whom and to whom she ministered. At the time of her golden Jubilee she stated, "I have been loved by the Lord"?, and that love motivated her in all the circumstances of her life. She was most grateful to her family, her CSJ community, and friends for their love, concern and support over the years. She especially treasured and enjoyed a long, beautiful friendship with Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak with whom she co-ministered for many years. Sister Geraldine's fruitful life on earth has ended; may she now enjoy a place of light, happiness and peace in God's kingdom of glory forever. Visitation will be 1-4 and 6-9 PM Monday June 12, 2017 with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM in the Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac. A Welcome Home to Nazareth and Rosary will be held at 3:30 PM with a Vigil Service at 7:30 PM Tuesday June 13, 2017 in the Holy Family Chapel, 3427 Gull Rd. Nazareth, MI. 49074 Funeral Mass 10:30 AM Wednesday June 14, 2017 in Nazareth. Burial will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Nazareth. A Mass will be held at Our Lady on the River Parish St. Catherines Church 6:30 PM Friday June 16, 2017. May She Rest In Peace!

Sister Geraldine Arnold CSJ

December 21, 1931 - June 7, 2017