Sr. Gabrielle Henning, CSJ, died Jan. 16 at the age of 99.

Bernice Henning was born in St. Johns on July 1, 1914, the daughter of Frank and Elizabeth (Mueller) Henning. Bernice was a member of St. Joseph Parish in St. Johns at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on June 25, 1933. She received the name Sr. Gabrielle at her reception Jan. 8, 1934, pronounced first vows Jan. 7, 1936, and final vows Jan. 9, 1939.

Sr. Henning earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in piano from Nazareth College, a Master of Arts degree in education from the Catholic University of America, and a doctorate in education from Michigan State University.

She began her ministry as a music teacher at Barbour Hall and Nazareth Academy and then she became a full-time faculty member at Nazareth College in music and education, a position she enjoyed for 44 years. She taught summer classes at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids and the University of Detroit and also taught Gregorian Chant and organ at diocesan workshops and religious education classes in Kalamazoo-area parishes. After retiring from teaching, she continued at Nazareth College as director of grants and accreditation. In retirement at Nazareth Center she continued to apply for grants and foundation funds to meet specific needs for Nazareth Center and Fontbonne Manor.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Jan. 20.