Sister Patricia Ann Turner, CSJ

Sister Patricia Ann Turner entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1949. At Reception she received the name Sister Owen immaculate.

Pat was prepared for her ministries by earning BA Latin from St John’s University, an MA in Latin from Hunter College, Certification Latin, 7-12 from NY State, Certification in Nursery,K,1-6 from NY State, and Certification in English, 7-9 from NY State. This was her background for the various ministries in which she served during her active years.

We celebrate her life today. Welcoming and hospitality are part of the tradition of the Sisters of Saint Joseph as we strive to bring all into union with God and one another. Throughout our history, we have welcomed the immigrant, the poor, the sick and the forgotten. This involves doing whatever needed to be done to be Christ’s healing and reconciling presence to those who struggled.

Pat was present to others as teacher, companion and friend to countless others including the children who joined her in My Mother’s House while their mothers were in prison. We know she did this with joy, energy and yes “pizazz” showing her love of life and people. She had confidence in God who called her by name and she knew she was precious in God’s eyes. This enabled Pat to be who she was for the sake of others. Whether traveling, hosting friends or encouraging school children in the classroom or library, Pat knew God was at her side

The loving companionship Pat shared with others was returned to her as she struggled without complaint through her last illness. Deep faith and courage allowed her to trust that nothing would separate her from her loving God. She lived the words of Paul we will hear in today’s liturgy: “When you pass through the water I will be with you; in the rivers you shall not drown. When you walk through fire you shall not be burned; the flames shall not consume you.”
Confident in our faith, as Pat was, we know she is enjoying the fullness of God’s unconditional love. As we celebrate Pat’s life today let us imitate her zest for living and her confidence that when there are struggles to overcome, we will be companioned by a loving Presence.
Sister Patricia Ann Turner, CSJ died on October 26, 2014 in the 66th year of her religious life.