Sister Mary Alice Henkel Osu

Sister Mary Alice Henkel, OSU, 93, passed away at Otterbein Sunset House on October 12, 2024. Born to the late Arthur and Margaret Henkel, she entered the Ursuline Convent in September 1957.
A graduate of W.W. Ross High School in Fremont, Ohio, Sister Mary Alice earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baldwin Wallace College in 1954. Her educational journey continued with studies at Mary Manse College, Wabash College, and the Mercy Hospital School of Medical Technology. She also traveled abroad as a companion to fellow Sisters studying in Europe.
Sister Mary Alice served as a lab technician in science classes at Mary Manse College before becoming a medical technologist at Mercy Hospital in 1970. She worked diligently in this role until her retirement in 1994, after which she became certified as a Home Care aide. Sister Mary Alice also enjoyed working part-time at The Catholic Chronicle and assisting her fellow Ursuline Sisters with errands and transportation.
A gifted and award-winning poet, Sister Mary Alice published two books of her poetry and often recited works by the classical poets. She enjoyed attending lectures on theological topics, particularly those related to Catholic Social Teaching, including those in the Corpus Christi University Parish Lecture Series. A champion for social justice, she devoted her time to various volunteer activities, supporting organizations such as Women Blessing Women, Family House, the Eleanor Kahle Senior Center, Corpus Christi University Parish's Feed Your Neighbor program, and Rahab's Heart, where she served as a beloved street outreach worker. She also volunteered for many years at the US Senior Open at Inverness Club, Toledo.
Sister Mary Alice was preceded in death by her parents and her close friend, Sister Stephanie Helfrich, OSU. She is survived by her Sisters and Associates of the Ursuline Community.
In accordance with her wishes, Sister Mary Alice donated her body to The University of Toledo, College of Medicine. A Memorial Mass will be held at a date to be determined. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ursuline Convent, 4045 Indian Road, Toledo, Ohio 43606.
Please sign the guest register at CoyleFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are by Coyle Funeral Home.