Today, we celebrate the life of Sister David Marie Beikirch, OP a remarkable Dominican Nun who touched countless lives with her warmth, humility, and unwavering faith.

  We, her sisters in community and her family had the privilege of witnessing the beauty of her spirit and the depth of her devotion over many years.

Sister David Marie of Jesus, OP, was born Sandra Ann Beikirch on July 13, 1943, in Rochester, NY. She was the eldest of five children born to Margaret (Ferguson) Beikirch and Bernard Beikirch.

 She was a member of St. Charles Borromeo parish and grade school and later attended Nazareth Academy high and Rochester College. She loved her parents and siblings but was especially fond of her youngest and only brother Bernard (Bernie), who was nine at the time of her entrance into the monastery. Diane, the youngest sibling, was not yet born. She often spoke about taking a delight in mothering Bernie. She missed combing his hair, dressing him for Mass and school and showering him with her love and attention.

 On October 1, 1962, Sandra Ann, entered the Dominican Contemplative Monastery in Elmira NY. She received the habit and the name Sister David Marie of Jesus, OP on September 8, 1963; made her First profession of vows on September 12, 1964, and her Solemn profession on October I, 1967.

 Sister David Marie dedicated an astounding 63 years to the monastic contemplative life, living each day with a commitment to prayer and service. Her routine was marked by the daily Eucharist and the praying of the Divine Office, moments in which she found profound connection with God and her community. Even in her quiet moments, she embodied the spirit of prayer and devotion, reminding us of the power of faith to transform lives.

 From the moment you met Sister David Marie, her kind smile welcomed you, radiating warmth and love. It was a smile that transcended words and warmed the hearts of all who encountered her. No matter the circumstances, she had an innate ability to lift others up, often praising the contributions of those around her, even when she underestimated her own gifts and accomplishments.

 Throughout her professed life, sister held the office of Prioress for five terms, a testament to her gentle and caring manner toward others. She also served as Sub-prioress, Novice Mistress and Bursar for many years. She cheerfully embraced her many varied roles of service to her community while still finding time for other charges such as the opening of both a gift shop and a print shop business to serve the monastery’s financial needs. Her hubbies were tinkering with the rose bushes, baking cookies and taking care of the dog (Sabina II). Every 4th of July she would flaunt her cooking skills by grilling all the hamburgers and hot dogs on the outside pit. In the kitchen, no one could outdo her cooking of steaks. Hers was the best. She passionately loved soft ice cream, and it was a known fact that she knew where every ice cream parlor was in Rochester and Elmira.

 As time passed, Sister faced challenges that no doubt tested her spirit. First the move from Elmira, NY to Springfield where the community lived for eight years before moving to Girard, IL where the new monastery was built. Two years later she again had to move, far from her beloved Monastery to a nursing facility due to her need for more skilled care than her community could provide her. While this physical distance separated her from her community, it never diminished the deep bonds she forged with all of us. It saddened us to witness her struggle with dementia, which took away her ability to speak and connect in the ways she once enjoyed. Yet, despite these trials, she remained a beacon of grace, teaching us the value of patience and love in the face of Adversity.

 On March 21,2025 our dear sister entered eternal life at the Teresian House, in Albany, NY run by the Carmelite sisters of the Elderly.

 Sister David Marie's humility and selflessness were an inspiration to us all, and her legacy will live on in the hearts she touched and the lives she impacted. As we remember her today, let us carry her spirit of kindness and faith forward. Let us smile in her memory, greet one another with love, and embrace the values she exemplified throughout her life.

 She is survived by her sisters Marianne Williams, Deborah Bierworth, and Diane Beikirch; her brother Bernard Beikirch III (Ellen); her nieces and nephews.

 Though she may no longer walk among us, Sister David Marie resides forever in our hearts and in the heart of our community.

 Thank you, dear Sister, for your love, your prayers, and your tireless service. May your heart continue to sing with joy as you embrace the face of your beloved.

 Her funeral will be held on May 31st, 2025, at 10:30 am at the Monastery of Mary the Queen, 15635 Greenridge Road, Illinois.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Dominican Monastery of Mary the Queen located at 15635 Greenridge Rd. in Girard, Illinois.

 Website:opnunsil.org

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