Sister Marie Damian Schoenlein, formerly Rita Schoenlein of St. Peter, 85, died Sept. 25, 2012, at the University of Michigan Medical Hospital, Ann Arbor, Mich.

She was born to Peter and Veronica Braun Schoenlein.

Surviving are three brothers, Hugo Schoenlein, Englewood, Zeno Schoenlein, St. Marys, and Louis Schoenlein, Portland, Ind.

Deceased are four brothers, Paul, Carl, Martin and Maxi Schoenlein and a sister, Dula Brand.

She graduated from St. Joseph Academy, Adrian, Mich., and received a bachelor of arts degree in history from Barry College, Miami Shores, Fla., and a master of education from Siena Heights College in Adrian.

She ministered for 54 years in elementary and adult education in Detroit, Adrian and Lansing, Mich., as well as Cincinnati; Des Moines, Iowa; Miami Shores, Fla.; and Bonao, Dominican Republic. From 1961-1967, she was principal of St. Mary School in Adrian and held the same position at Resurrection School in Lansing, Mich., from 1967-1971.

She founded the Dominican Literacy Center, Detroit, Mich., where she served as director for 19 years. She also served 10 years in leadership positions for Adrian Dominican Sisters in Detroit, as co-provincial to St. Catherine Province, 1978-1982, and chapter prioress at Great Lakes Mission Chapter, 1982-1988.

She became a resident at the Dominican Live Center, Adrian, Mich., in 2007, co-founded the Adrian Rea Literacy Center and served as Literacy Center Administrator the past four years.

Anderson Funeral Home, Adrian, Mich., handled arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Adrian Dominican Sisters, Adrian, Mich.