Sr. Bernadette Mehal, formerly known as Rita Mae Mehal, died Sept. 11 at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 84 and in the 64th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. Mehal was born in Detroit to John and Christine (Bencher) Mehal. She graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit and received a Bachelor of Home Economics degree from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian.

Sister spent 39 years ministering in education in elementary schools in Munising, Detroit and Dearborn; Oak Park and Riverdale, Ill.; Toledo, Ohio; Tucumcari, N.M.; Douglas, Winslow and Scottsdale, Ariz., and Des Moines, Iowa. In Michigan, she taught at Sacred Heart, Munising (1949-53); St. Agatha, Detroit (1959-61); and St. Alphonsus, Dearborn (1965-66).

Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2008.

Sr. Mehal is survived by loving nieces and nephews.

The funeral liturgy was in St. Catherine Chapel on Sept 15. Burial will be in the Congregation cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221.