Sister Mary Remi Pauwels, IHM, age 100, died Saturday, May 9, 2026, surrounded by her IHM family.
Lillian Madeline Pauwels was born on Dec. 22, 1925, to Remi and Madeline (Thorrey) Pauwels in Jackson, Michigan. Her parents emigrated from Belgium and married in Jackson, where they raised their five children. Lillian attended St. John’s schools and became acquainted with the IHM Sisters. After high school graduation, she entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and received the religious name, Sister Mary Remi. She celebrated her 80th jubilee in 2024.
Sister Remi earned a bachelor’s degree at Marygrove College and a master’s degree in education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Her ministry in formal education began at the elementary level at St. Charles, Coldwater, St. John, Monroe, St. Michael, Miami, and San Joaquin and Convento de la Merced in Puerto Rico. Over the next twenty-plus years, Sister Remi taught high school students at St. Mary Redford in Detroit, St. Philip in Battle Creek, and in Jackson at St. John and Lumen Christi. She taught religion and all levels of Spanish, chaired the Spanish department at Lumen Christi and held the principalship at St. Philip.
In 1979, Sister Remi was elected to congregational leadership as co-provincial of the Northwest province and served until 1985. After her service, she returned to education at Aquinas High School, Southgate, and St. Mary Catholic Central High School, Monroe, ministering as a teacher, assistant principal and in administrative support. She later transitioned to part-time teaching, tutoring and volunteering in educational settings.
Sister Remi was active in community life and served as a board member of IHM-sponsored schools. After residing in Southgate for many years, Sister Remi moved to the IHM Motherhouse in 2007. She continued to be involved in community gatherings and resident activities and she made many friendships among her fellow sisters and the Monroe campus staff.
Survived by sister Mary Tobin and brother William Pauwels, nieces and nephews, and her IHM Sisters in community. Preceded by siblings Betty White, Dorothy Hagen and infant brother Royal.
Read Sister Remi’s remembering.