Keep her in your prayers:
Sister Joseph Marie Ruessman RSM has been called home to the Lord. That’s how Sister Mary Sarah Macht, RSA, described Ruessman’s passing Thursday at MidMichigan Medical Center – Midland after she was struck by a car earlier that day in Alma in what police are investigating as a hit-and-run. “This is the way He called her home, and we had the privilage of being with her in that,” said Macht on Friday who was with her and the other sisters in the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma during her passing. Macht said she last saw Joseph, 64, from the Detroit area, on Wednesday at the St. Mary’s of the Assumption Cathedral in Saginaw. She and others were gathered there for the final profession of vows of three of the sisters, which is the final step in the process in committing their lives to Christ. Macht described Joseph, who worked with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma as a lawyer, as a quiet person but hardworking, prayerful, and dedicated to the church and its community. “She’s a person who is the apitome of the person who works behind the scenes,” she said. “Just because she was quiet doesn’t mean she wasn’t sharp. She was just a very fine lawyer.” Macht said Joseph had the “best” laugh, even if she had a dry sense of humor. She also a love of the outdoors, and music – she played for times of prayer and for personal enjoyment. The nun’s final hours were spent with her friends, family, and sisters from the church in what was called a “very peaceful” death. “Any time, to be with someone during that process, is a profound experience,” Macht said. “The beauty of the experience, to be able to be with her with all the sisters and some of her family, praying and singing, as she was being prepared to be called to meet the Lord and be called to eternal life.” The nun was riding her bicycle just after 7 a.m. along Michigan Avenue when, at the intersection at Williams Street, she was struck by a vehicle that left the scene.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord …
And today we celebrate...