The IHM Sisters are honored to announce that Lorie Bronson has been chosen as this year’s recipient of the Theresa Maxis Award. This award recognizes community leaders who reflect the values and vision of the IHM community and of Theresa Maxis herself.
With deep faith and a courageous spirit, Mother Theresa Maxis responded to God’s call to leave the Oblate Sisters of Providence, trusting in a vision greater than herself. One hundred eighty-one years ago, she and Louis Florent Gillet, CSsR, founded the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe, Michigan, to educate girls and build a community rooted in faith and service. Like Theresa Maxis, Lorie Bronson reflects deep faith, courageous spirit and a steadfast commitment to serving others and promoting justice
The Theresa Maxis Award celebration will be held Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at Monroe Golf and Country Club. A cocktail reception begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Proceeds support IHM ministries and the congregation’s retirement needs, helping sustain our sisters in ministry and provide quality care for our elder sisters.
For reservation or sponsorship information, please call Marilyn S. Meadows at 734-240-9861 or email mmeadows@ihmsisters.org.
Lori Bronson
Lorie Bronson embodies the values and vision of the IHM community through her deep faith, pioneering spirit, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and those most marginalized in our community.
Her faith was first nurtured by her parents and strengthened through her IHM education at St. John’s and St. Mary Academy. Following God’s call, Lorie pursued pastoral ministry as a laywoman, earning a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Sacred Heart Seminary and completing Clinical Pastoral Education certification while raising a family. For more than 25 years at St. Mary Parish, Lorie has enriched nearly every aspect of parish life, including adult faith formation, Christian service, worship, funeral ministry, ministry to the sick and dying, social justice outreach, and interfaith collaboration. Even in retirement, she continues to accompany those who are ill, grieving, or facing difficult life circumstances, serving as a compassionate presence and coordinating hospital ministry to ensure that comfort, prayer, and the Eucharist remain available to those in need.
In 2007, Lorie founded In the Spirit of Giving, a ministry rooted in the belief that abundance is meant to be shared. Through this volunteer-driven outreach, thousands of Monroe County residents facing hardship have received furniture, household goods, and essential items with dignity and respect. Operating for many years from unheated and unfinished spaces generously provided by the IHM community, the ministry stands as a testament to Lorie’s perseverance, creativity, and commitment to serving others.
Lorie’s dedication to justice extends beyond parish walls. She has been a steadfast advocate for the poor and vulnerable, lending her voice to efforts promoting peace, justice, and human dignity. Whether welcoming immigrant families, supporting community food initiatives, standing in solidarity with those seeking justice, or helping individuals discover and live their God-given gifts through programs such as Called and Gifted, she continually inspires others to put faith into action.
Through her quiet courage, simplicity, and zeal, Lorie has become a beacon of hope and compassion. Her life reflects the Gospel values cherished by the IHM community and serves as a powerful witness to what is possible when faith, love, and service are lived with authenticity and generosity.
2023 recipient – Father Tim McCabe, SJ
2022 recipients – Tom and Yvonne Larabell
2021 recipient – Elizabeth A. Burns, MD, MA
2019 recipients – Kurt and Renee Darrow
2018 recipient – Nettie Seabrooks
2017 recipient – Mareda-Toni Babock, IHM Associate
2016 recipients – Frank Venegas Jr. and Sylvia Gucken
2015 recipient – Glenda D. Price, PhD
As always, we appreciate your support of the Theresa Maxis Award. For reservation or sponsorship information, please contact our development team at 734-240-9860 or development@ihmsisters.org.