Sr. Jude Van Baalen, OP, formerly Jude Marie Van Baalen, died Nov. 14 at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 78 and in her 59th year in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. Van Baalen was born in Detroit to Edward and Susan (Flanagan) Van Baalen. She earned degrees from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian and Seattle University.

Sr. Van Baalen ministered in elementary education for 10 years in Munising and Escanaba, Illinois and North Dakota. She also served 45½ years in a pastoral ministries in Adrian, Detroit (archdiocesan coordinator for disability concerns, 1991-98), New Baltimore (St. Mary Queen of Creation, 1998-2005) and Sterling Heights (St. Jane Frances de Chantal, 2005-07), as well as in North Dakota, Minnesota, and British Columbia, Canada. This includes six years as director of candidates for the Adrian Dominican Sisters; and five years as professor at Siena Heights College.

Funeral Mass was offered in St. Catherine Chapel in Adrian on Nov. 17. Rite of Committal will be in the Congregation cemetery.