Sister Mary Michael Smits

Sister Mary Michael Smits, a Sister of Mercy of the Holy Cross, age 98 died, September 11, 2026, at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, Wisconsin.

Arlyn Mary Smits was born November 2, 1927, in Elk River, Minnesota, to Lloyd M. and Clara E. (Stuplich) Smits. She entered Holy Cross Convent in Merrill, Wisconsin, on July 6, 1946, and professed her vows on July 17, 1948. Sister Mary Michael was in her 78th year of ministry at the time of her death.

Sister Mary Michael graduated in 1946 from Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School in Merrill WI. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in the summer of 1969. Like so many of the sisters of her generation, she pursued her educational training over multiple summers while managing various teaching positions in Deer Park Ohio, Haymarsh North Dakota, Rhinelander and Antigo, Wisconsin.

In her later years, she loved to share stories from her teaching career. A good storyteller, she spoke affectionately of students and could make you feel you were in the room with her. She was adamant that her students would not only learn but would also have fun doing it. She spent over forty years teaching first grade at St. Mary’s School in Antigo from which she retired in 1998. In all the places where she taught, she volunteered in the local parish, served as a CCD and special religious education teacher, children’s choir director, a communion minister and a well-loved friend to the people of the parish.

After retirement she lived in Wausau and assisted her family in caring for her sister, Audara. In 2014 she returned to Merrill and joined the sisters living at the Sisters’ Residence at 1600 O Day St. In 2025 she moved to Bell Tower Residence.

Preceding her in death are her parents Lloyd and Clara Smits, sisters, Audara Giese and Donna Conklin.

She is survived by her family of Holy Cross Sisters and associates, as well as her nephews and nieces.

A Funeral Mass for Sister will be held at 10:00 on September 25 at Holy Cross Chapel in Bell Tower Residence. Father Charles Hoffmann will officiate. Visitation will be held on September 25 beginning at 9:00 until the time of the service. Burial will follow in the St Francis Catholic Cemetery, Merrill, WI.

Special thanks to chaplains John Bourke and Jen Hoffman and the staff of Bell Tower Residence along with Interim Healthcare hospice nurse and staff for assisting in the spiritual and health care of Sister Mary Angela. An extra thanks to Holy Cross Sister companions Jamely and Sherry.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation, Merrill, is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com