Sr. Mary Michel Burrell, CSJ, died Nov. 11 at the age of 86.

Rose Marie Burrell was born in Tampa, Fla., on Sept. 11, 1927, the daughter of Leroy and Mary Cecilia (Flynn) Burrell. She was a member of St. Basil Parish in South Haven at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 2, 1945. She received the name Sr. Mary Michel at her reception Jan. 3, 1946. She pronounced first vows Jan. 3, 1948 and final vows on Jan. 3, 1951.

Sr. Burrell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Nazareth College and a Master of Arts degree in music education from the University of Michigan. She taught in many schools of the congregation including St. Christopher in Marysville, St. Francis Home in Detroit, St. Joseph and Barbour Hall in Kalamazoo. For several years she taught instrumental music in Catholic schools of the Kalamazoo Diocese. In 1981, she worked at Nazareth College as a secretary before assuming duties in the SSJ central offices and the business office. In 2002, Sr. Burrell moved to Fontbonne Manor, where she ministered to her sisters as a patient visitor.

Sr. Burrell was a talent on the clarinet played in many community programs, directed the SSJ Sisters Choir and belonged to the Kalamazoo Concert Band for 35 years.

Mass of Christian Burial was held for her Nov. 14.