Sr. Gloria Jean Zieske, CSJ

Gloria Jean Zieske was born in Grosse Pointe, Michigan on July 17, 1929 the daughter of Harold Ernest Zieske and Adeline (Hengesbach) Zieske. Gloria Jean was a member of St. Veronica in East Detroit, Michigan at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 1, 1946. She received the name Sister Norma at her reception on January 3, 1947, but later returned to her baptismal name. Sister Gloria Jean pronounced first vows on January 3, 1949 and final vows on January 3, 1952.

Sister Gloria Jean earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin from Nazareth College and a Master’s Degree in Latin from Notre Dame. For fifteen years she taught in several schools of the Congregation including St. Margaret Mary, Detroit; St. Henry, Lincoln Park; and St. Mary, Flint. She then ministered for thirty-five years as an Administrator at St. Mary School, Williamston; St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores; and St. Veronica, Eastpointe. After fifty-four years in Catholic school ministry Sister Gloria Jean cared for her elderly mother in addition to part-time ministry as a Religious Education Coordinator at St. Peter Parish, Harper Woods. She retired in 2002 and returned to Nazareth where she worked as Secretary/Receptionist in the Leadership Team Office and as Nazareth Bookkeeper.

There are people who when they are born are destined to leave heart prints. Sister Gloria Jean was one of those precious people. She leaves many heart prints on her family, Sister Suzanne, friends, co-workers and CSJ congregation. Her gifts were many and have been evidenced in her ministries and relationships. She possessed a deep love for others, faith that was unshakable, hope in the future, courage to endure challenges, strong organizational ability and so much more. Sister Gloria Jean was truly a woman of prayer, love and reconciliation. The words of the song “Day by Day” fit her perfectly – “See Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly and follow Thee more nearly day by day”… every day of her life. May she now enjoy eternal peace and joy in the presence of the God she served so faithfully.

May She Rest In Peace!