The former Blanche Finger was born on April 13, 1936, in the town of Maple Creek, Wis. She is the fourth of eight children (two boys and six girls) 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 where she worked in the cabbage fields, cared for the animals, and took on more duties in the house.
Because of the example of the Bay Settlement Sisters who taught at St. Mary Parish 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 Champion). Immediately she began taking classes at 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. This was followed by teaching in various schools staffed by the community: Holy Angels, Darboy; St. Boniface, De Pere; St. Matthew, Allouez; St. Isidore, Osman; St. Jude, Green Bay; and Saints Peter and Paul, Institute.
After teaching for 14 years, Sister Michele studied to become a licensed practical nurse. She ministered for 12 years at the McCormick Home and then transferred to the Motherhouse where she cared for sick and elderly Sisters for 10 years. After a sabbatical year, she worked at Santa Maria Nursing Home and then returned to the Motherhouse where she served in the health care area for 12 years before transitioning to 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 70 years of blessings.”