LOWELL, MI (06-16-2025) – God called Sister Colleen Ann Nagle, FSE, into eternal life on Saturday, June 14, 2025. This brought to completion a long journey of illness which she had embraced with deep faith. She was very peaceful about the critical turn her health had taken in the last few days, and she faced with grace the sudden arrival of “Sister Death,” as St. Francis of Assisi called the inevitable last moment of life. Sister Colleen Ann lived at our center in Lowell, Michigan since 1981 and was the Executive Director of the Franciscan Life Process Center.
Sister Colleen Ann was the daughter of the late John and Colleen Nagle. She was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, baptized at the local St. Wenceslaus Church, and received her first sacraments of communion and penance, as well as confirmation at St. Joseph Church, Waupun, Wisconsin. She graduated from Williams Bay High School in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, in 1967.
A 1971 graduate of Viterbo College in La Crosse, Sister Colleen Ann was familiar with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who operated the college (now university). During her college years, the Sisters had begun an experimental program of renewal of religious life as called for by Vatican II. As a young adult seeking direction, challenge and a full life, Colleen was attracted to the hope she saw in the Sisters. In 1973, the initial renewal program birthed the foundation of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and she and Mary Traynor (now Sister Mary Frances) were the first two women to join the newly-founded Congregation. Sister Colleen Ann began her formal journey of religious life in 1973, and has held as a treasure, the poignant memories of those founding years along with the more experienced Sisters. The seeds of the future found rich soil in her soul as she grew into her vocation as a strong Community-focused Sister with unique leadership qualities.
Sister Colleen Ann’s Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education prepared her to teach in Catholic schools in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin; Blackfoot, Idaho; Cloquet, Minnesota; and at the Franciscan Pre-School in Lowell. In 1985, she earned an MA degree in counseling with a focus on child development from Michigan State University.
In 1981 two events sealed Sister Colleen Ann’s life’s trajectory. She professed perpetual vows within the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist and was missioned to the Lowell center. Her counseling work in area Catholic schools provided needed assistance for children, parents and teachers. As a trusted professional she seemed to see the most complex, troublesome issues with sensitive caring, along with a common sense, reality-based view towards hope. Sister Colleen Ann was also very involved with the Diocese of Grand Rapids. She was a strong supporter of parish and family life, served on several committees and often collaborated with the clergy.
The year 1991 was a milestone in the life of the Lowell center when the Life Process Center outreach programs expanded. A major construction effort brought out Sister Colleen Ann’s talent for fundraising as a new, spacious and beautiful building provided space for music therapy, counseling, art programs, land experiences, community gatherings and retreats. Sister Colleen Ann, as director, and then executive director, oversaw the extensive growth of these services for the people of western Michigan, including a second campus located in Grand Rapids. A relational, engaging person, driven by a faith mission, she developed lasting relationships with people who offered to support her efforts in any way they could. Today, the Franciscan Life Process Center builds on her leadership as the mission continues.
She enjoyed bread baking and creative cooking and had an ability to prepare a delicious meal with little notice. She participated in garden, animal and household chores throughout her years of community life. Her hearty laugh and fun-loving side will be remembered by every Sister.
Sister Colleen Ann also generously responded to needs throughout the Franciscan Community. She undertook projects to benefit other FSE programs, joined with Sisters to give workshops in the Holy Land, USA and Canada, and shared her expertise with Sisters and lay persons alike. She understood well that the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist are one body, one network, comprising many parts, living with and supporting one another.
In the words of Mother Miriam Seiferman, FSE, Mother General, Sister Colleen Ann was a woman who reverenced the past, clearly embraced the present and had a vision for the future. Sister Colleen Ann initiated in 2024, the current capital campaign, ReVITALize – A Plan to Welcome Tomorrow. She realized the 30-plus year old Franciscan Life Process building and campus were now in need of major updates to bring it into the next 30 years. She, with the Sisters, staff and input from professional experts put together suggestions for needed renovations. With the approval of the Franciscan Life Center Network Board of Directors, the selected architectural firm developed plans and the fundraising campaign kicked off. To date, the work is expected to be completed by September. Lighting, heating and air conditioning for greater efficiency; redesigned kitchen, dining area, and office areas; revamped, more accessible entrances, are among the significant changes. At the time of her death, Sister Colleen Ann was actively engaged in inviting corporations, area businesses and those who are invested in improving the quality of services for the region to join the effort. Her vision for the future of the Franciscan Life Process Center was based solidly in the total vision of her life as a consecrated woman religious within the community of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist, to live in preparation for the Eternal Vision of life in heaven.
The Franciscan Community of Sisters, Brothers and Apprentices, her brother, James, his wife, Kathy, and nephew, Andy, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, as well as innumerable friends, co-workers, clients and so many others, mourn her death. She was preceded in death by her beloved niece, Jamie.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Chapel of the Annunciation of the Franciscan Life Process Center, 11650 Downes Street NE, Lowell, MI, 49331. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 11am on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Drive SE, Ada, MI 49301 with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements are in the care of Gerst Funeral Homes.
Sister Colleen Ann was a woman with a vision. She had initiated this ReVITAlize Project to take the Franciscan Life Process Center into the future and she was committed to raise funds for it. Donations in her memory will be put towards the completion of the project and the fulfillment of her vision.
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