Sister Stephen Purcell, CSC
(- June 16, 2008)
Please, join in prayer of thanksgiving for this Sister of the Holy Cross who died on June 16, 2008.
Sister's death was unexpected though she had dealth with serious health issues for years. When she came to Saint Mary's in February last year she remarked to Sister Margaret Anne that, "I came home to die but just not yet." She never lost her dry humor and always enjoyed a good joke.
Sister was a very caring person and devoted to family and friends. The members of her family considered her the matriarch of the Purcell clan and supported her with love and care. They even flew her to Saint Mary’s in the family jet with Sister Ann Keating, CSC, a nurse, to make sure that the trip was as expeditious and comfortable as possible. The fact that Sister Stephen and her sister, Sister Philippa, CSC, now deceased, took personal care of their ailing mother in the family home until her mother’s death attests to the closeness and devotion they had.
Sister’s quick wit and instant repartee made conversation with her a joy and a challenge because she was, as she said, “an authority on a broad spectrum of subjects,” and loved to engage in lively discussions on a wide range of topics, though politics was one of her favorites. Her brilliance was reflected in her teaching skills and ability to “get the best out of her students."
Even though she had been reluctant to come to Saint Mary's initially, she was happy she came and realized that the excellent care she received helped her regain some of her strength. She continued sharing her humor with the sisters on her floor during meals and visits that brought much joy and jaughter to all. She will be missed.
Funeral arrangements for Sister Stephen are as follows: Reception of the body on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 4:00 p.m., with the funeral Mass on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. All of these ceremonies will take place in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto. May Sister rest in peace.