SINSINAWA — Sister Patrice McGovern, OP, died Nov. 11, 2013. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa Nov. 14, 2013, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Patrice made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 5, 1946, and her final profession Aug. 5, 1949. She ministered in education as a teacher for 15 years, principal for 21 years, assistant principal for two years, and volunteer tutor and substitute teacher for one year. Sister Patrice served in pastoral ministry for 22 years. She served in Illinois, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Iowa, California, Oklahoma, New York and Nebraska.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Patrice served as pastoral minister at St. Mary Parish, Portage, 1992; St. Clement Parish, Lancaster, 1992-1996; and St. James Parish (now Good Shepherd), Madison, 1996-2001, where she also served as a volunteer tutor and substitute teacher, 2001-2002.
Sister Patrice was born March 21, 1921, in Omaha, Neb., the daughter of Patrick and Susan (Finn) McGovern. Her parents; two sisters, Catherine McGillicuddy and Rita Hiber; and a brother, John McGovern, preceded her in death. She is survived by a sister, Patricia McGovern; and a brother, Joseph McGovern; and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 67 years.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or online at www.sinsinawa.org by clicking on “Donate Now,” then “Honor and Memorial Gift.”
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Helen are available online at www.Sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab.