Fremont, Ohio, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Sister Mildred Strief, RSM, a beloved educator and member of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, passed away in Fremont, Ohio. A dedicated teacher and principal, her legacy in education and faith impacts the communities she served. Remembered for her humor and artistic spirit, her life was a profound inspiration to many.
Fremont, Ohio – Sister Mildred Strief, RSM, a dedicated educator and member of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, passed away on October 2, 2025, at St. Bernardine Home in Fremont, Ohio. Her death occurred on the feast of the Guardian Angels, which many felt was a fitting tribute to her life of faith and service.
Sister Mildred was born on September 1, 1928, in Bankston, Iowa, as the third of eight children to George C. and Mary Catherine Reinsbach Streif. She received her elementary and high school education at St. Clement schools in Bankston and then pursued her calling to religious life by entering the Religious Sisters of Mercy in Detroit, Michigan, on September 7, 1947. She professed her final vows on August 16, 1953.
A highly educated individual, Sister Mildred earned a bachelor’s degree from Mercy College in Detroit and a Master’s degree in education from Wayne State University. Her extensive academic journey also led her to further studies at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Dayton, Dominican College, Marquette University, Aquinas Institute of Theology, and St. Norbert’s College.
Sister Mildred began her teaching career at Immaculate Conception School in Traverse City, Michigan, and went on to serve at various schools, including St. John’s in Independence, Iowa, and St. Mary’s in Ackley, Iowa. She also taught at St. Mary Magdalen in Hazel Park, Michigan, and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Detroit, Michigan.
Leadership Roles in Education
In 1966, she became the principal at St. Jean School in Muskegon, Michigan, where she also taught music and grades 7 and 8. Throughout her career, Sister Mildred held principal positions at Our Lady of LaSalette School in Berkley, Michigan; St. Anselm School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan; and St. Mary School in Guttenberg, Iowa, among others. She served not only as an educator but also as Formation Director for the Sisters of Mercy in Farmington Hills, Michigan, from 1983 to 1986.
Later in her career, Sister Mildred took on community roles, including work as a Head Start teacher while caring for her mother. After her mother’s passing, she returned to St. Mary School in Guttenberg as principal. From 1994 to 2004, she contributed to the Archdiocesan Center in Dubuque, Iowa, and held the position of Associate Director of Catechetical Services at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center from 2001 to 2003. Her commitment to education and faith extended into her volunteer work in “The Ministry of the Present Moment” in Dubuque from 2003 to 2019.
Final Years
Sister Mildred later resided at the McAuley Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan, before moving to St. Bernardine Home in Fremont, Ohio, where she spent her final years focused on prayer and presence in the community.
Legacy and Remembrance
Known for her warm spirit, humor, and artistic talents, Sister Mildred was remembered for creating greeting cards cherished by her fellow sisters and friends. Her life was dedicated not only to education but also to fostering deep spiritual connections with those around her. Many of her companions reflected on the privilege of supporting her, particularly during her later years following a stroke.
Sister Mildred is predeceased by her parents and five siblings. She is survived by her sister, Donna Ann Streif, and numerous loving nieces and nephews spanning generations.
The services for Sister Mildred will be held at St. Bernardine Home, with arrangements managed by Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home & Crematory in Fremont, Ohio. Her legacy as a devoted educator and a woman of faith will continue to inspire many in the communities she touched throughout her lifetime.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Archdiocese of Detroit
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- The Catholic University of America
- Google Search: Sisters of Mercy
- Mercy Health
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Catholic Education
- National Association of Secondary School Principals
- Google News: Education News
- United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
- Google Scholar: Religious Education
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