Sister Michele Finger

The former Blanche Finger was born on April 3, 1936, in the town of Maple Creek, Wis. She is the fourth of eight children of Marion and Almira (Young) Finger.  They lived for some years in the village of Bear Creek and later moved to a farm when she was 10 years old. It was here that she worked in the cabbage fields, cared for the animals, and took on more duties in the house.

Because of the example of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross who taught at St. Mary's in Bear Creek, Blanche began thinking of becoming a Sister.  After graduating from high school in 1954, she entered the convent as a postulant at the Chapel in Robinsonville (now the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help).  Immediately she began taking classes from St. Norbert College in De Pere and later graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

In 1955, Blanche became a novice and received the name Sister Michele.  She taught in various schools:  Holy Angels, Darboy; St. Boniface, De Pere; St. Matthew, Allouez; St. Isidore, Osman; St. Jude, Green Bay; and Sts. Peter and Paul, Institute.

After her teaching years, Sister Michele studied to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She ministered for 10 years at the McCormick Home and then transferred to the Motherhouse to be with the sick and elderly Sisters.  After a sabbatical year of renewal, she worked at Santa Maria Nursing Home for six years and then returned to the Motherhouse to assist with health care. She is now active in Community service.

Sister Michele says, "I feel I have been extremely blessed in my vocation as a time of fulfillment and challenge.  I am grateful to God, my family and the Sisters of this Community.  It is truly a time to celebrate 60 years of blessings."