Sister M. Michelle Carroll, RSM, died peacefully in her sleep at Mercy Convent in Savannah on Thursday, August 24, 2018. She was 96 years old. Sister entered the Sisters of Mercy from Haines City, Florida in 1944 at 23 years of age. Prior to entrance Sister graduated from Florida State University with a BS in Chemistry and Education and worked as a chemist in the Florida citrus industry.

Upon taking her final vows, Sister Michelle embarked on a multifaceted career. She began utilizing her education by teaching chemistry at Mount St. Agnes High school in Baltimore, MD.

In 1954, she became Principal at St. Vincent's Academy in Savannah for 6 years. She loved the girls and the Savannah rhythm of life. She invested her time and energy to broaden the student's horizons that college could be something a girl could attend. Many women in Savannah today remember fondly their beloved principal for her quiet demeanor and often times her leniency to their tardiness!

Sister Michelle earned a master's degree in education with a major in Administration from Loyola College in Maryland in 1958.

In 1960, based on her skills and knowledge, she took on a new challenge: the first principal of the all new Mercy High in Baltimore, MD., This school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy soon became one of the premier schools in the Baltimore Diocese under Sister Michelle's leadership. The school recognized Sister Michelle as a visionary leader, one who gave confidence to all students to reach their highest potential.

Once more, her path took a new direction and in 1963, while serving as principal, she became a member of the Provincial Council, Province of Baltimore. Later, the Council recognized her leadership skills and elevated Sister Michelle to the position of Assistant Mother Provincial and in 1973, Provincial of the Sisters of Mercy. All during this time, Sister Michelle served on numerous Boards of Trustees from Loyola College to Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta. Many sisters remember Sister Michelle while serving on these boards as a humble person, full of grace and a with a gentle aura of kindness.

In 1979, Sister Michelle took on yet another new venture, that of, Health Administration. As such, Sister served in many administrative roles: Director of Institutional Studies at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Atlanta; Vice President for Sponsorship; Vice President for Sponsorship of the Mercy Health Services of the South and Assistant to the CEO of Saint Joseph's burgeoning health system.

Sister Michelle explained her passion for all of her life's work: "A call to seek God in and through life and work with others is what the call to Mercy is for me". This special calling enabled her to show compassion and focused attention on behalf of those in need whether in healthcare or education.

Sister Michelle was never one to seek notoriety, but her long standing work in the field of healthcare leadership was bound to be recognized. In 1979, Sister Michelle was bestowed the Alumna of the Year award from Florida State University for her leadership in the healthcare field. This award was sponsored by the Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society.

Additionally, in recognition of her many years of exemplary work in the field of healthcare, Sister Michelle was awarded the first ever Eastern Mercy Health System's Sister Ellen Lawlor Award for Spirituality and Visionary Leadership.

Centered in the principals of Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Michelle was in the forefront of reaching out to the homeless and the needy in Atlanta, by supporting the efforts to bring healthcare to them via mobile medical vans.

In light of years of her pioneering leadership to care for the needy, Saint Joseph's Health System in Atlanta, dedicated the Carroll Conference Center in her honor.

In 2006, after a full and rich life of giving and service, Sister Michelle retired to Mercy Convent in Savannah.

Not one to rest on her laurels, however, Sister volunteered at Saint Joseph's Hospital in Savannah for a period of time before fully retiring to enjoy the company of the other Sisters of Mercy at the convent, especially with her former Vice-Principal at St. Vincent's Academy, Sister Fidelis Barragan. Her love of prayer, poetry and nature were her constant companions in her retirement years.

Many lives were touched by Sister Michelle. Both lay and religious men and women were witness to her deep spirituality, her love of nature, her keen intellect, gentility, simplicity and sense of humor. All are honored to have known her.

Sister Michelle is survived by her brother, Phillip; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation and rosary will be at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 11500 Middleground Road on Tuesday, August 28 from 5:30 pm-7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, August 29 at 11:00 am at St. Frances Cabrini Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to Mercy Convent, 11801 McAuley Drive, Savannah, GA. 31419.