Michele Mangan

Sister Michele (Joan) Mangan, OSF

1933 - 2024

Sister Michele Mangan, OSF, 90, passed away in the early hours of the morning om Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Marian Convent in Santa Maria, CA. She was born on October 30, 1933, to Elizabeth and Peter Mangan and was baptized Joan on November 19 at St. Francis. In 1957 at Mount Alverno in Sierra Madre, Ca. She was awarded a Bachelor of Arts degree from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles in 1965; she held a Master 's Degree from Marquette University She served as both teacher and principal in a number of grammar schools, mostly in California. In 1975 she moved to live at the Sister 's provincial administrative building in Redwood City while working first as principal of St. Agnes School in San Francisco and then in the Marriage Tribunal for the San Francisco Archdiocese. For three months she did tribunal work for the Diocese of St. George on the Island of Granada.

She served as Provincial Minister (an elected office) for two terms: 1989-1997 after which she enjoyed a sabbatical year which included time in Rome, Italy and at the Theological Union in Washington, D.C. For 17 years she worked at the Marriage Tribunal for the Diocese of San Jose while living with sister James Zembal. They enjoyed many warm relationships with the sisters living in the area as well as with parishioners of St. Pius Parish in Redwood city.

She officially retired in 2015 and moved to Marian Residence in Santa Maria, CA in September of 2021 where she served on the Board of Marian Regional Medical Center and devoted her time to prayer and advocating for the needs of the poor.

Sister Michele had a heart for the poor and vulnerable of our world, often calling the community to action in support of causes for justice and direct aid to various hands-on organizations. She is survived by her sister Rosalie and her sister Mary, two nieces, Liz Lowry and Sharon Anderson, as well as nephews.

A vigil service will be held on Wednesday, January 24 at 7pm in the chapel at Marian Residence, 124 S College Dr, Santa Maria. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 10am on Thursday, January 25 at Marian Residence Chapel. John Hardin, O.F.M. will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Santa Maria Cemetery.

Donations in honor of Sister Michele may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, 124 S. College Drive, Santa Maria, CA. 93454.

Arrangements are in the care of Magner-Maloney Funeral Home and Crematory. Sympathy notes and words of support may be expressed at www.magnermaloney.com.