Age 83
Sister Pat was a strong competitor on the golf course as well the tennis court literally living her motto, “Serve with Love.”
Born and schooled in Omaha, Nebraska, she entered the Sisters of Mercy after graduating from Mercy High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from College of Saint Mary in Omaha and a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado.
Sister Pat taught primary grades for five years in Omaha and Joplin, Missouri, before being appointed principal at Queen of Apostles in Council Bluffs, Iowa, for three years and Holy Cross in Omaha for six years.
Next, she was called to her alma mater, Mercy High in Omaha, to teach English, journalism, and photography for six years. She was appointed in to serve as the high school’s director of public relations and recruitment for four years. Then the former Omaha Regional Community needed her to minister as their communicator, a position she held for 11 years.
In 2000, she served as a care coordinator for the sisters living in Catherine’s Place at Mercy Villa in Omaha. Two years later, she became assistant community care coordinator of Mercy Villa, a position she held for 15 years.
Amidst all of her works and contributions, Sister Pat volunteered to cook and serve meals at a homeless shelter; enjoyed traveling; and sang with the Mercy Alumnae Chorus and the community musical group, “Nun Like Us,” where she also played the accordion.