Sr. Donna Kustusch, OP, formerly known as Sr. Francis Bernadette Kustusch, died July 21 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Ill. She was 75 and in the 56th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. Kustusch was born in Chicago to August and Helen (Gaynor) Kustusch. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago and received a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in history from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, a Master of Arts degree in religious education from St. Louis University in St. Louis, a Master of Arts degree in theology from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a Doctor of Ministry degree in theology from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif.

Sr. Kustusch spent 45 years ministering in education in Michigan, Illinois, Arizona, California, Texas and Mexico. In Michigan, she taught and was religious education coordinator at St. Elizabeth School in Tecumseh (1968-71), Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian (1975-78), and worked as a consultant in the Catholic Office of Education in Lansing.

Sr. Kustusch was also the program coordinator for three years at Centro Mujeres/Tepeyac Theological Institute, in El Paso, Texas, and ministered for 14 years in Women’s Empowerment and Adult Education in Juarez Chihuahua, Mexico.

Sr. Kustusch is survived by two sisters: Karen Weber of Palos Heights, and Kathleen Quinn of Shorewood, both in Illinois.

Visitation is from 6:15 to 7 p.m. in the Rose Room of the Dominican Life Center on July 26, followed by Vigil Prayer at 7 p.m. in St. Catherine Chapel. The Funeral Liturgy will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel on July 27 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Congregation cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221.