By Evan Doan, News Editor
Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, O.P. sitting in lobby of Albertus Magnus Hall of Science – Photo by Aquinas College
Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, O.P. passed Dec. 4 at the age of 102. A 1958 graduate of Aquinas College, Sister Aquinas dutifully and proudly served Aquinas College and the people of Grand Rapids for nearly 82 years.
She was born Lucille Weber on May 2, 1923 on a farm just outside of Traverse City Michigan as one of eleven children, and grew up through the Great Depression and the start of World War Ⅱ. Lucille Weber graduated from Saint Mary High School where she was taught by Dominican Sisters. At age 20 she would move to Detroit to work for Parke-Davis, a pharmaceutical company that made penicillin for soldiers.
In 1944 Lucille Weber stepped away from Parker-Davis to pursue her true calling of being a teacher and joining the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids. After completing her training and the taking of her vows she was given the name Mary Aquinas.
Sister Mary Aquinas would graduate from Aquinas College in 1958 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree and would begin teaching at St. Stephen’s Parish School for eight years. She then moved to New Salem to serve as a teacher and the school’s principal. A year later she would be moved to Saint Boniface in Taylor, MI.
Sister Mary Aquinas moved back to Grand Rapids and in 1966 she was the youngest ever to be elected to Prioress of the Dominican Sisters. During her six years as prioress she encouraged women to explore the world before joining the community.
Sister Aquinas as Prioress in 1966 – Photo by Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids MI
In 1972 Sister Mary Aquinas would return to school to earn a master’s degree in urban studies from the University of Michigan. Because of her degree, in 1973 Aquinas College President Norbert Hruby invited Sister Mary Aquinas to join faculty members working on a community project to help revitalize Eastown. She would continue on the project for three years while completing her master’s degree.
In 1976 she would be elected Treasurer of the Dominican Sisters while holding board positions across Grand Rapids. In 1983 she would serve as Vice President of Development at Aquinas College until 1988 she became the director of the Emeritus College, now the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) for three years.
“It is difficult to put into words the enormous impact Sister has had on Aquinas, and me personally, particularly when I became an Aquinas College Trustee. She was generous in her guidance and friendship as I began my three 3-yr term,” Karen L. Palmore class of 1989 posted on Sister Aquinas’ community page. “And I will never forget her sharing her home canned peaches with me when I mentioned I missed my Mom’s canned peaches when she passed away! Always generous and concerned with others. Love you, Sister Aquinas!”
In 1987 she would become the college’s first chancellor and throughout the 1990s would serve as a special assistant to the President of Aquinas College helping the college secure long term-stability. She would continue to meet with donors, as Chancellor Emerita, until her death.
In 2008 she was given an honorary doctorate degree from Aquinas for her years of service to the school and the surrounding community. The same year the Emeritus College joined OLLI, a national network of 122 institutions providing educational opportunities to people over the age of 50. OLLI at Aquinas is one the oldest programs of its kind in the country running for 46 years continuing Sister Aquinas’ dream of providing education to all that seek it regardless of age.
“I have had many experiences in my life,” said Sister Mary Aquinas Weber, OP in her 2023 commencement speech at Aquinas College. “I opened my heart and mind to accept what was asked of me. Because of that, my life experiences have taught me much. So I have advice to offer to all of you. These are my words of wisdom: Change is good. Many of you here today will change your job and career many times over the course of your lifetime. Do not be afraid of change, do not be afraid to experience life. Put your faith and trust in God that you will always be led to where you are supposed to be. Embrace life and all that it has to offer. Open your heart to all the possibilities the life you have offers.”
On Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 a visitation will be held at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, Aquinas College from 1:15 – 3 p.m.; 5:30 – 9 p.m. with a remembering service at 7 p.m.
Her burial will be Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church (1429 Wilcox Park Dr., Grand Rapids, MI) with a visitation service at 9 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. Aquinas students are invited to join.
Sr. Aquinas signed the final beam of the new addition to Aquinas College’s science building, Sister Aquinas Weber Hall, named in her honor – Photo by Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids
The Saint 