Sr. Michel Rodgers OP Obituary (1932 - 2021)

Sister Michel Rodgers, OP (Sister Mary Michel), a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 70 years, entered into eternal life on October 11, 2021, at the age of 89 at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center in Caldwell, NJ. On Monday, October 18th, a wake and Mass will be held at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15 to 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Graveside services will follow the Mass at Gethsemane Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds. The Mass will also be live-streamed at https://livestream.com/accounts/2417728/events/9891753. Sister Michel was a proud Irish woman with a wry sense of humor and the gift of storytelling, but her gentle heart will be her lasting gift. She was faithful and present to family and friends during their times of need. She learned this from her parents, William and Grace (Connolly) Rodgers. Sister Michel entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on September 8, 1951, received the habit on April 19, 1952, made first profession on June 27, 1953 and final profession on June 27, 1959. Sister Michel earned her bachelor's degree in social studies and English from Caldwell College (now University) and a master's degree in sociology from Duquesne University. She taught for a number of years at Saint Aloysius School and Mount Saint Dominic Academy, both in Caldwell, before teaching at Saint Mary's School, Rutherford and Saint Cassian School, Upper Montclair. Sister Michel then joined the sociology faculty at Caldwell University in Caldwell. Sister also served for several years as both principal and teacher at Saint Francis de Sales School in Abaco, Bahamas. After returning from Abaco, she rejoined the sociology department at Caldwell University and began almost two decades in administration as director of academic advisement, assistant dean of academic affairs and vice president and dean of student life. Always energetic even in retirement, Sister Michel then assisted the resident manager at Marian Manor in Caldwell. Sister Michel was an avid supporter of Caldwell University's athletic programs and her goal was to see students succeed both on and off the court. Sister enjoyed assisting students with their research and writing and then celebrating their successes. In 1992, she received the Outstanding Program Award from the ACT/NACADA Program for Academic Advising and in 1995 she was awarded the Caldwell Cup by the university in recognition of her unique contribution to the campus. In 2010, Sister Michel was selected as a member of the inaugural class of the Caldwell University Athletics Hall of Fame for her significant role in supporting the university's intercollegiate athletic programs. Her faithful presence along the sidelines will be greatly missed. Sister Michel was predeceased by her parents, William and Grace and her sisters Rita Twaddell (Miles) and Ruth Stevens (Albert). She is survived by her brother, William Rodgers (Elaine); her nieces, Linda Huchel, Gail Stevens (Robert), Karen Twaddell, Marita Della Rosa (Robert), Willayne Konicki (Gary); her nephews, Miles Twaddell (Jo) and William Twaddell; and grandnieces and grandnephews; and her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sisters of Saint Dominic, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006 would be appreciated. Condolences may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com.