We received the following press release from the Franciscan Life Process Center.
Lowell, Michigan, June 18, 2025 – The Franciscan Life Process Center announces the passing of its beloved leader Sr. Colleen Ann Nagle, who faithfully nurtured the development and growth of the center for more than three decades as its executive director and community champion.
Sr. Colleen Ann, a Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist, was called to her eternal rest on Saturday, June 14 after a lengthy health struggle. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24 at the Chapel of the Annunciation on the Center’s Lowell campus, 11650 Downes St. NE. Bishop David J. Walkowiak will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial to honor her life at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25 at St. Robert of Newminster Catholic Church, 6477 Ada Dr SE.
“God has called home a beloved Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist, a wonderful counselor, a strong leader, a holy woman,” said Mother Miriam Seiferman, Mother General of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. “Sister Colleen Ann lived intensely, suffered quietly and put forth all her strength to do whatever was needed for as long as she possibly could. We all share the profound loss, yet we trust in Christ’s promise of eternal life.”
Bishop Walkowiak shared: “Her death is a great loss to our local church. How many adults and children she helped with her tender and wise ways over the years! We shall miss her dearly.”
As part of a year-long transition process, Sr. Gabriella Pettirossi was selected by Sr. Colleen Ann to succeed her as executive director. For the past year, the two have worked side-by-side at the Center, which has campuses in Lowell and Grand Rapids. Sr. Gabriella’s appointment was approved by the General Council of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist on May 30.
A native of Assisi, Italy, Sr. Gabriella joined the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in 2002. Her many gifts include talents in marketing, counseling and administration. She spent nine years working at the Vatican Apostolic Library before moving to Connecticut to work at Holy Apostles College & Seminary. Last year, Sr. Gabriella moved to Lowell to learn from Sr. Colleen Ann.
A Legacy of Faith and Compassion
Under Sister Colleen Ann’s leadership, the Franciscan Life Process Center:
- Opened campuses in Lowell in 1991 and Grand Rapids in 2010, creating welcome centers that provided engaging, supportive programming designed to help people through the whole process of life, encouraging them to unlock their God-given potential.
- Started initiatives to connect with and serve the community, including a preschool and bakery.
- Grew alongside the community of West Michigan, developing programs in counseling, music therapy, art classes and land experiences that engaged their neighbors and school-age students, and drew visitors from around the country.
- Launched ReVITALize – A Plan to Welcome Tomorrow in 2024, a $3 million capital campaign to renovate the Lowell campus, which was built in 1991 and needs an array of improvements and upgrades.
“Sr. Colleen Ann was a gentle spiritual leader, encouraging mentor and dear friend,” Center Director Sandy Koteskey said. “Our entire organization holds fond memories of Sr. Colleen Ann as we remember her work to build our center into a spiritual place for healing, connection and community.
“For those looking to honor the legacy of Sr. Colleen Ann, she requested donations to help us complete the capital campaign and conclude this project on a beautiful note. The community’s support will help bring her vision to life and benefit generations to come.”
Donations can be made via the center’s website.
Sr. Colleen Ann Nagle was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late John and Colleen Nagle and a third-generation immigrant with Irish, Scottish and Czech roots. She graduated from Williams Bay High School in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, before returning to La Crosse to complete a bachelor’s in elementary education at Viterbo College.
It was during her time in college that she found herself called to religious life, entering the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist as one of the founding members of the new order and making her first vows in 1973. She taught grade school for 15 years in Wisconsin, Idaho and Minnesota before moving to Lowell in 1981 and teaching at the Franciscan Preschool.
In 1985, Sr. Colleen Ann earned her master’s degree in counseling and child development from Michigan State University and began a counseling practice. Her work in area Catholic schools provided needed assistance for children, parents and teachers, especially during times of grief and tragedy. Sr. Colleen Ann was also very involved with the Diocese of Grand Rapids, helping with seminarian and permanent diaconate formation. She was a strong supporter of parish and family life, served on several committees and boards, and was a well-respected advisor to many clergy.
Sr. Colleen Ann was named the executive director of the Franciscan Life Process Center in 1991, leading fundraising efforts to build a new, spacious and beautiful facility to house the center’s growing programs and to create a welcoming space for community gatherings and retreats. In 2010, the center opened a second campus in Grand Rapids. She earned a master’s degree in moral theology in 2007.
More information on Sr. Colleen Ann’s life and legacy can be found on the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist’s website.
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