Sister M. Ermelinda Burgei, CPPS, 84, died June 23, 2011, at Maria Joseph Center, Dayton.

She was born July 25, 1926, in Cloverdale, to Charles and Veronica Stretker Burgei. She entered the Sisters of the Precious Blood on Aug. 13, 1943.

Surviving are a sister, Rita Wannemacher, Cloverdale, and a brother, Oscar (Betty) Burgei, Ottawa.

She taught primary grades for 39 years in California and in various Ohio schools including St. Joseph in Wapakoneta, where she also served as principal. In 1985, she became manager of the Maria Stein Gift Shop. She volunteered at the Maria Stein Shrine chapels and later retired to Salem Heights in 2007.

A funeral Mass was held at Salem Heights on June 25, 2011.