Sr. Sylvia Dimeck, CSJ

Sylvia Dimeck was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada on September 13, 1931, the daughter of Paul and Mary Teresa (Micallef) Dimeck. She was a member of St. Gertrude Parish in St. Clair Shores, Michigan at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 1, 1950. She received the name Sister Marie Dominic at her reception on January 3, 1951, but later returned to her baptismal name. She pronounced first vows on January 3, 1953, and final vows on January 3, 1956.

Sister Sylvia received a Bachelor’s Degree from Nazareth College majoring in biology. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree from Wayne State University majoring in Science Education. Sister Sylvia began teaching in the Diocese of Detroit and taught at several schools in Detroit, Flint, Royal Oak, St. Clair Shores and Taylor and Kalamazoo MI. In Detroit she taught at St. Anne, St. Margaret Mary, St. Cyril, St. David, St. Joan of Arc and St. Philip Neri. In Kalamazoo she taught at Barbour Hall Academy and St. Augustine. In 1976 Sr. Sylvia left teaching at the request of Sr. Vernice McQuade and ministered at St. John Hospital for 31 years. She was the Fontbonne Auxiliary Coordinator for 14 years and then at the Holley Ear Institute as Coordinator/Corporate Development Liaison for 17 years. These were wonderful years for Sr. Sylvia. In 2007, Sister Sylvia retired from St. John Hospital and became a caregiver to her mother until her mother’s death in 2010. She then moved to the Nazareth Motherhouse, and later to the new Nazareth Center, where she greatly enjoyed the friendships of the Sisters, including her classmates Sister Bernita Marie Gensterblum and Sister Pat Mullen. Sister Sylvia was well known for her crocheting, a hobby she shared with her good friend Sister Clement Stine

Sr Sylvia is survived by her brother, Joseph (Margaret); his seven children, grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Aunt Sr. Sylvia was special to them for her loving presence and kindness. Her appreciation for order and strong determination are traits they value and hold with many family memories. Her love for God, family, and the Srs. of St. Joseph were strong anchors throughout her life.

At the time of her Diamond Jubilee Sr. Sylvia wrote, “God works in marvelous ways. When there is a change in my life, I have learned that I must pray and wait. God will show me the way. Maxim 84 guided my way: Never anticipate grace by an imprudent eagerness: await its moment in peace and when grace comes to you follow it with great gentleness and courage.”

Rest In Peace