Sister Helen Walling, IHM, returned to St. Mary on the Lake, Manitou Beach, to celebrate her 90th birthday. She was the first pastoral coordinator for the Lansing Diocese and served at St. Mary for 13 years. Sister Helen has been a sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, for 73 years. She taught school for 29 years, was a parish minister and later worked at the Interfaith Shelter in Jackson.
“Now I go to St. Joseph in Dexter for Scripture sharing. I go on Mondays and we have about 16 people there,” says Sister Helen.
Terri Ellis, a nurse from St. Mary, remembers the time sister was so sick on Palm Sunday and they raced off to Bixby Hospital in Adrian where sister was admitted. “She saved my life,” shares Sister Helen.
Parishioners attending the birthday celebration shared stories about Sister Helen, John Berning, Jane Clark, and Pat and George Haag remarked about how welcoming she is and how she brings joy to everyone.
If you would like to send a card or letter to Sister Helen Walling, please mail it to1345 Mario Hampton Apts., Monroe, MI, 48162.
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