Memories of Sister Aquinas
The reflections collected below offer a window into the warmth, humor, and grace Sister Aquinas brought to so many. We welcome you to spend time with these stories and the lives she touched.
Aquinas President Norbert Hruby:
The College really benefited from her loyalty and reliability… She was aware of the real world and looked at things in a much more realistic way… She always did what needed to be done for the good of the College.
Aquinas President R. Paul Nelson:
At the time I asked her to take the Vice President position, she was the head of the Emeritus College and just loved it. But she said that if I really needed her that she’d do it. It’s her self-sacrificing nature that makes her such a force at the College.
Aquinas President Dr. Juan Olivarez:
Sr. Aquinas left her mark on Aquinas College in profound and indelible ways. Her philanthropic vision was nothing short of extraordinary. She had a rare ability to see both the needs of the moment and the possibilities of the future, and she used that gift to bring outstanding support to the college, support that has strengthened programs, opened doors, and changed lives.
Sr. Aquinas shaped not only Aquinas College, but the broader community in ways that will echo for generations. She was a person who moved through the world with intention, depth, and steadfast commitment to making things better. And she did.
Sr. Aquinas was, without question, a dynamic force for good in this world.
She was smart, engaged, wise, and disciplined. She held herself to high standards, and she invited others to rise to theirs. Resilience was woven into every part of her character. Even in challenging times, she faced life with strength, grace, and resolve. She was a leader in the truest sense – a connector who built bridges, a thought partner who sharpened ideas, and a devoted ambassador for the mission of Aquinas College.
She touched so many lives and was loved by so many in return. Her presence enriched every community she entered, and her influence will continue to guide and inspire us.
We will miss Sr. Aquinas—deeply and sincerely. May we honor her not only in words but in the way we choose to live – by leading with purpose, expecting the best of ourselves, and working always toward a better future. That is the legacy she leaves us. And it is a legacy we will strive to uphold.
The late Hugh Allen, former Vice President of Development:
Her wisdom, her great talent for enlisting human resources, and her undying devotion to the educational commitment of her Order have given new life to all that she touches.
Prioress Sister Megan McElroy, OP:
Just as Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem for the mission before him, Sister Aquinas always set her face toward whatever mission and need Jesus was calling her to whether that was for the Church, for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, for the civic community, or, in particular for Aquinas College. The passing of Sister Aquinas is the end of an era. She was legendary in her leadership and, especially, in her faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to the Dominican charism of truth.
Rabbi Albert Lewis:
For the past 50 years, I have referred to Sister Mary Aquinas Weber as my ‘favorite sister.’ She is and always will be my favorite sister, and "the other woman" whom I have loved for a lifetime. In mutual respect and drive, we had a very clear agenda: what can "we" do to improve the lives of all the people of Grand Rapids? I love and will continue to love My Sister - to whom I have never been able to say - "NO.”
Sister Carmelita Murphy, OP (prioress from 1988-1994):
Sr. Aquinas loved God dearly and deeply, and ceaselessly gave her life energy to care of the common good, both in building relationships and serving others.
Sister Teresa Houlihan, OP (former Professor of Philosophy at Aquinas for 20 years;
Prioress from 1980-1988):
Any request coming from Sr. Aquinas came with an assurance that the work you were undertaking had merit. She could see what could be, the possibilities, then identify the people who could also see the light further down the road. Due to her vision and influence, you didn’t see many projects fail.
Karen L. Palmore ‘89 (Former Vice President at UBS Financial Services and Trustee
Emeritus of Aquinas College):
It is difficult to put into words the enormous impact Sister has had on Aquinas, and personally on my life, particularly when I became an Aquinas College Trustee. She was generous in her guidance and friendship as I began my three 3 year-terms as a Trustee. And I will never forget her sharing her home-canned peaches with me when I mentioned I missed my Mom’s canned peaches when she passed away! Always generous and concerned with others. Love you, Sister Aquinas!
Tom Welch, Region Chairman, Fifth Third Bank, Michigan:
“Suaviter et fortiter” — gentle in manner, firm in action. These words perfectly capture the essence of Sister Aquinas and the leadership lessons she imparted to all who knew her. Her unwavering commitment to education and community shaped Aquinas College into a beacon of learning and service. As the first female board member for Fifth Third’s predecessor, Old Kent Bank, she broke barriers with grace and strength, earning respect across the business community while remaining deeply rooted in her mission of faith and education. For more than a century, Sister Aquinas lived a life of purpose, touching countless lives with wisdom, humility, and courage. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her influence will endure in the hearts of those she inspired and in the legacy she leaves behind.
John Lowery ‘24. CEO of Applied Innovation, Chair of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees:
I was always inspired by Sister Aquinas' spirit. She was always happy and always seemed to have the energy needed to accomplish the task at hand. She always encouraged me to continue with my education… it was my honor to receive my Diploma last this year from Sr. Aquinas on stage at graduation in May. I have been Catholic my entire life and attended Catholic school that had sisters teaching. Growing up in that environment, whenever the sisters asked you to do something, you never questioned it. We all know when Sr. Aquinas asked you to do something for the Dominicans or Aquinas, we all know you couldn’t say no to Sr. Aquinas. Whenever she called, my answer was always yes. She had a great way with people and accomplished so much for the Dominicans, Aquinas College, and the community.
Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak, bishop of Grand Rapids:
It is with great sadness that I received the news of the death of Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, OP. Sister Aquinas was a pillar not only of Aquinas College, but also of the larger West Michigan community. Though recognized and honored for her many accomplishments, her tireless efforts were expressed with true humility. Sister Aquinas paved the way for many other women through her example and leadership. The Dominican Sisters elected her as their youngest Prioress. During her tenure, she led the community through the renewal of religious life proposed in the implementation of the Second Vatican Council.
Sister Aquinas provided us with a sterling example of servant leadership, leading with confidence, authenticity and kindness. Her constant desire to serve those around her demonstrates the importance of sharing our blessings and talents with others. For almost twenty years, she faithfully served on the Diocesan Finance Council. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed upon her the ecclesiastical honor of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross, recognizing her distinguished service to the Church. (Pictured above with Grand Rapids Bishop Walter A. Hurley.)
Her service to God’s people has been a great blessing to her Dominican Sisters, Aquinas College, the Diocese of Grand Rapids, and the people of West Michigan. She will be greatly missed.
Please join me in offering prayers and condolences to Sister Aquinas’ family and the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters. May she now rest in eternal peace.
Meredith (Reeves) Steers:
The impact Sister Aquinas had on my mom, sister and me will be forever written deep in my heart and in our story. Her kindness empowered the three of us to be free, to heal, to be educated, to just be. Her gentleness, free of judgment, quietly guided us in loving directions. It is with deep abiding gratitude and love that I, and on behalf of Sally and Joann, bow in profound appreciation. May the ripples of her goodness nourish for generations.
Patricia Hruby Powell:
I love Sr. Aquinas in part for her wisdom, calm, and support. She is an exact contemporary of my mother Dolores M. Hruby 2023-2008. I know she was a great support to my father, Dr. Norbert J. Hruby. Once, when Sister visited the Hruby household on Briarwood, and I happened to be visiting at the same time, she made us all pork chops. They were the best chops we'd ever had. My husband Morgan Powell insisted that's how we would do chops from then on. RIP, Sr. Aquinas. I hope you, my parents, and my husband have a wonderful rollicking time in whatever Heaven is.
Carolyn Sturrus:
Sister Aquinas has been in our lives for over 50 years. She has been the epitome of advent and has left us with her personal thanksgiving for the coming of the Christ child, a message of a life lived with hope, joy, peace, and, most of all, love. May He bless you and keep you and make his face shine on us as we remember her in her eternal home.
Mary Alice Williams:
My relationship with Sister Aquinas began in 1974 through her work with the Eastown Community Association. Her active presence in the neighborhood and her contributions as an active member of the Community Council were invaluable. My husband, Mike, was her colleague at the college as they worked together to implement the Kellogg grant that helped to stabilize the fledgling Association and support community organizers working to empower residents addressing issues affecting the neighborhood. Through the years both of us came to rely on her astute insights, enjoy her wry humor and be reassured by her wise counsel. My final conversation with her took place only two months ago, when I was honored to participate with her in a lively presentation at OLLI about the formative work of those early Eastown years. How fitting that one of her last public engagements centered around 2 entities that she was instrumental in creating. Sister Aquinas will always be an inspiration to me as I cherish her memory and her example of faithful, unflagging hands-on service. Like so many others, I want to be her when I grow up. May she rest in peace.
Karen Weber Davey:
She wore countless hats, earned many honors and titles but, for me, she was Aunt Sister Aquinas!
She “paved the way” for us, including her sister and two younger brothers, to attend college. She inspired me to earn an advanced degree.
Not only was she present at her many nieces’ and nephews’ events, she often attended her greats’ as well (with a little gift to boot).
A sweet story: for my son’s wedding in Ann Arbor, she and some of our family were staying at the Hampton Inn. She wanted to leave the reception on the early side, so someone offered to give her a ride to the hotel. The only trouble was that there were two Hampton Inns in Ann Arbor, and they dropped her at the wrong one! She sat patiently in the lobby awaiting a pickup by one of her brothers. I heard she was without complaint about the matter even though she waited for quite some time.
Rest in peace with all of your brothers, sister, some of our generation, and Grandma and Grandpa, my dear aunt! (Here is a grainy screenshot, but of that memory nonetheless!)
Sister Amara Fabbro, with approval from Sister Mary Aquinas, hired us as adjunct faculty to teach the very first undergraduate course at AQ, titled “Human Development & Human Sexuality." As a married couple, Sister Aquinas supported our curriculum design and was readily available for advice and counsel. Her caring spirit hovered over our classroom for each of the terms in 1988-1989.
Sister Aquinas was a truly remarkable woman! As the women’s basketball and softball coach in the initial years of women’s athletics at Aquinas, she was a strong, steady support and cheerleader in those pioneer days. She was a role model of leadership in competence, consistency and caring. Throughout my eighteen years at Aquinas as coach and administrator, as well as my four years as a student, Sister Aquinas never failed to encourage and acknowledge the role athletics plays in developing young women. Her example of service in leadership was awe-inspiring. She faced challenges with strength, humor and humility and impacted thousands of young students, community members and the Dominican order. Godspeed and thank you for your compassion and faith, Sister Aquinas Weber!