Sr. Patricia Whalen CSJ

Patricia Whalen was born in Highland Park, Michigan, on August 19, 1947, the daughter of Raymond and Cecilia Ptak (Bird) Whalen. She was a member of St. Philip Neri Parish in Detroit, Michigan, at the time of her entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on August 25, 1965. Her reception was held on Aug 16, 1966. She pronounced first vows on December 8, 1968, and final vows on May 9, 1975.

Sister Pat (Patricia) enrolled in Nazareth College and graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Her ministry of education took her to 35 years in teaching at St. Mary’s in Williamston, Michigan; St. Veronica School in Eastpointe, St. Catherine School in Algonac, and St. Paul on the Lake School in Grosse Pointe Farms. In 2005 Sr. Pat became Worship Coordinator at St. Mary Queen of Creation Parish in New Baltimore, serving there for nine years. She then served as Worship Coordinator at St. Martin De Porres Parish in Warren until 2023 when she suffered a catastrophic stroke and moved to Villa at Borgess Place.

During her nearly two years at the Villa Sr. Pat continued her teaching ministry through conversations about faith and life with the Villa staff and those interested in the video series, The Chosen. She honored a daily routine of prayer which included remembrance of needs of the world, her family and staff. Sr. Pat dearly loved her family, brother Michael and wife Theresa, niece Jenny and her husband Brian and nephew Patrick.

On the occasion of her 60th Anniversary a parishioner from St. Martin de Porres wrote: “Dear Sr. Pat, 60 Years is a beautiful legacy of God’s grace working through you. So many of us have benefited from watching you and talking with you through our years together. Your wisdom and love for our Lord carries on through those you’ve touched.” May Sr. Pat now enjoy eternal life with the God of great love she faithfully served in and through her service of others.

May She Rest in Peace!