July 3, 1927 — May 27, 2026
Born in the little town of Kawkawlin, Michigan on July 3, 1927, Sister Mary Thomasine (Wanda Satkowiak), entered eternal life on May 27, 2026. Wanda was the sixth child of Joseph and Pauline (Wazbinski): Matthew, Albina, Frank, Leo, Raymond, Wanda (SM Thomasine), Pauline, Louis, Helen and Robert. Baptized and confirmed at St. Stanislaus Church, Bay City Wanda completed early education at Kawkawlin #3 School then High School at St. Stanislaus and St. James both in Bay City.
Wanda first encountered the Felician Sisters at St. Stanislaus High School and felt the beginnings of God’s call to religious life. She entered the Felician Congregation in 1945. Final vows were taken in 1953. Sister earned a bachelor’s degree from Madonna (College) University and embarked on a ministry of teaching primary and middle grades for 54 years.
St. Florian, Hamtramck, Resurrection and St. Andrew, Detroit were the first teaching assignments. For the next 41 years Sister traversed northern and middle Michigan at St. Joseph, Manistee; St. Theresa, Wayland; St. John Vianney, and St. Jude, Grand Rapids; St. Mary, Parisville; St. Cecilia, Clare; East Catholic, Saginaw; St. Hyacinth and St. Stanislaus, Bay City, and St. Valentine, Kawkawlin.
Her ministry in education extended overseas when Sister was missioned to Carlsberg, Germany from 1963-1968 teaching religious education at six different American Army and Air Force Bases and spreading the Gospel among soldiers as well.
She returned to the Archdiocese of Detroit where assignments as a teacher took her to St. Florian, Hamtramck; Resurrection, St. Andrew, St. Stephen, and Mary, Mother of God – all in Detroit; St. Thecla, Clinton Township; St. Michael, Livonia; and Our Lady of Refuge, Orchard Lake. Sister was also the principal at St. Christine, Detroit and St. Hilary, Redford for a total of ten years.
Assigned to Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Convent, Livonia Sister Mary Thomasine served as administrator of the Senior Clergy Village on the Felician grounds from 2007-2011. She remained at Presentation Convent in active ministry as seamstress, driver and other assigned house duties until 2017 when Sister took up the ministry of prayer as a permanent member of St. Joseph Hall.
Sister Thomasine’ s health gradually failed and on the evening of May 27, 2026, the Lord called her home at 8:20 p.m.
The wake was held on Friday, May 29, 2026 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Rosary and sharing of memories followed at 7:00 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Chapel, Livonia, MI on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Gary Michalik was the celebrant with other priests from the Senior Clergy Village in attendance.
