Callista Madalene Fortier, 94, a lifelong Catholic, died May 9. She was deeply connected to the Church, being involved in the Legion of Mary, Lay Carmelites, Cursillo and others. She was devoted to St. Joseph, Solanus Casey and St. Thérèse.

Madalene was born to John Joseph and Eliza Jane Oster on May 28, 1922. She was beloved mother of two predeceased sons, Joseph and Raymond, and predeceased by siblings John, Gerald, Mary, AJ, Ann, Patricia, Mary Marguerite, Dennis, Vincent and Craig. She is survived by sons Paul, John, Matthew and Philip; their spouses, 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She married Charles Fortier, having met him at church. They were instrumental in the early days of Our Lady of Victory Church, a mission to African-Americans. She sought to rectify social injustice, at a time when few took such risks. In 1975, Charles died, leaving her to raise six sons. Although Canadian by birth, Madalene had American and Irish citizenship, too. She cherished her heritage.

Although suffering greatly from aliments for years, Madalene kept her humor and radiated a joy for life. She loved people and was beloved by all.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations to Missionaries of Charity (motherteresa.org) or Catholic Relief Services (crs.org). Visitation: Tuesday, May 23, 3-9 p.m., Scripture service and rosary: 7 p.m.: Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores. Requiem: Wednesday, May 24, 10 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc, 22412 Overlake, St. Clair Shores. Burial at Holy Sepulchre.