Last Updated: July 29. 2011 7:22PM

Holly Fournier/ The Detroit News

Center Line— It wasn’t quite divine intervention, but it felt that way for 87-year-old Rosemary Sieders.

The Center Line woman was surprised and touched Friday to be reunited with her late mother’s Virgin Mary statue, which was damaged last month by vandals who struck her house and yard. It was repaired thanks to the efforts of Center Line Public Safety officer Todd Haugh, who responded to the scene.

At first, Sieders insisted the broken statue be blessed and buried, according to Haugh. But he decided instead to get the statue fixed.

It was difficult, he discovered, because the statue is made of old concrete, and not all the pieces were salvaged after the incident. He tried shops in Troy and Shelby Township, with no luck.

Finally, Haugh found the House of Renew in Birmingham. He paid for the repairs himself. Haugh picked up the restored statue Thursday evening and said he was shocked by how well it turned out. His drive home was cautious.

“I haven’t driven that careful since I brought my brand new daughter home from the hospital,” he said.

Sieders said she was grateful for Haugh’s actions. He presented the repaired statue to her on Friday afternoon.

“He’s gone over and beyond his job,” she said. “My prayers are going to be with (him).”

Haugh said Sieders did not deserve to be targeted.

“She’s the sweetest little lady you’ve ever seen,” Haugh said. “She’s energetic, religious and into her faith.”

An investigation has not yet revealed who is responsible for the vandalism.

“If anybody has any information about who would do this to an 87-year-old woman,” he said, “we would love for them to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact (586) 757-2200.

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