Sister Patricia Marie Woods

Sister Patricia Marie Woods

“In summary, then all of you should be like-minded, sympathetic, loving toward one another, kindly disposed and humble.” (1 Peter 3:8)

“The most noted phrase when one is speaking of those who knew Sister Patricia Marie best was that she is beautiful both inside and out. The next gift mentioned is that they have never heard her say an unkind word about anyone — ever,” said Sister Catherine Livers in her commentary for Sister Patricia Marie Woods, who died Feb. 27.

Born Marion Gertrude Woods April 1, 1911, in Everett, Mass., she was one of three children of John and Katherine Halligan Woods. She attended Cheverus grade and high schools in Malden, Mass.

“After graduation, Sister Patricia Marie wanted to enter the Sisters of Providence, but her mother preferred that she enter the Sisters of St. Joseph because they were located in the East,” shared Sister Catherine. “However, after many discussions and a few tears, she did enter the Sisters of Providence Novitiate in Hyattsville, Md., Feb. 11, 1932, and professed first vows Aug. 15, 1934. Her final vows were professed Jan. 23, 1940.

Sister Patricia Marie earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and a master’s degree in education from Indiana State University.

“Sister Patricia Marie’s friends from novitiate days say that she had a delightful sense of humor and each summer when she arrived home, she would greet her friends and as soon as possible she would slip away to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. She had great devotion to the Eucharist,” continued Sister Catherine.

Sister Patricia Marie began teaching in Washington, D.C., in 1934 at St. Ann and then at Dunblane. In Illinois, she ministered at St. Athanasius, Evanston; Our Lady of Sorrows, Chicago; and Immaculate Conception, Norwood Park. She served several schools in Massachusetts including St. Rose, Chelsea; St. Patrick, Stoneham; and St. Polycarp, Somerville. From 1977 to 1981, Sister Patricia Marie taught at Holy Redeemer, College Park, Md. From 1981 to 1987, she served as a librarian at St. Rose, Chelsea, Mass.

“In 1987, Sister Patricia Marie went to St. Joseph Parish in Quincy, Mass., as pastoral associate where her delight was to take the Eucharist to persons who were homebound. Her weekends were spent caring for her ailing mother until she died,” said Sister Catherine.

“Sister Patricia Marie returned to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in 1997 where her ministry was that of prayer, and she was again able to visit the Blessed Sacrament Chapel daily. Her last days were spent in Mother Theodore Hall East under the watchful eye of Sister Betty Donoghue and those who ministered there where she was so deeply loved and cared for. Her health became critical, and she was anointed on Saturday afternoon. Early Sunday, Feb. 27, she died peacefully and quietly as was her way,” shared Sister Catherine.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Patricia Marie was celebrated March 2 with the Rev. Daniel Hopcus presiding. She was preceded in death by both of her siblings.