Sr. Kathleen Buechele, formerly known as Sr. Marie Aquin Buechele, died on Feb. 27, 2012, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 78 and in the 59th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sr. Kathleen was born in Chicago to George and Kathleen (McKenzie) Buechele. She graduated from Aquinas High School in Chicago and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian, a Master of Arts degree in Latin from Loyola University in Chicago, a Master of Theology degree in liturgy from St. John University in Collegeville, Minn., and a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral ministry from Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, Calif.

Sister spent 19 years ministering in education in New Baltimore and Detroit, and Pensacola, Fla. She was principal for three years at Anchor Bay Catholic High School in New Baltimore. Sister ministered for 25 years in pastoral ministry in Downers Grove, South Holland, Berwyn and Westchester, Ill., and in Albuquerque, N.M. She was the health program director and personnel director for two years for the Chicago Archdiocese. Sister became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2010.

Sister ministered for 18 years in Michigan as a teacher at St. Mary School, New Baltimore, 1956-65; teacher at St. Ambrose High School, Detroit, 1965-66; principal and teacher at Anchor Bay Catholic High School, New Baltimore, 1966-69; formation program at Visitation Convent, Detroit, 1969-70; teacher at Rosary High School, Detroit, 1970-73; and program coordinator for the Mission Service Team, Adrian, 1982-83.

Sr. Kathleen is survived by two brothers, Donald Buechele of Grayslake, Ill., and James Buechele of Hernando, Miss.

The funeral liturgy was offered in St. Catherine Chapel on March 2. Burial will be in the Congregation cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters,1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI 49221.