SINSINAWA — Dominican Sister Tomas Purnell died May 3, 2009, at St. Dominic Villa, Sinsinawa. The Mass of Resurrection was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa May 6, 2009, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Tomas was born February 12, 1931, in Omaha. Sister Tomas made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican August 5, 1950, and her final profession August 5, 1953. She was a teacher, serving 12 years in elementary education. She served in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. She lived in community at St. Dominic Villa, Dubuque and Sinsinawa, and the Motherhouse, ministering with her Dominican Sisters.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Tomas taught at St. Jerome, Columbus, 1965-1967.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 Cty. Rd. Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or go to www.sinsinawa.org, click on “Donate to Us,” then “Honors and Memorials.”