Sr. Patricia Connor's Obituary
Sr. Patricia Connor, formerly Sr. Cajetan, age 88 of the Srs. of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died Monday, November 6, 2017 at the convent. Born September 6, 1929 in Hays, Kansas, she is the daughter of Matilda (Nee: Thiel) and Charles Connor. The oldest of seven, she grew up on the family farm. After high school she attended the Texas State College for Women and Marymount College before earning degrees from Marian University and Rosary College.
As a freshman in college, she decided to become a missionary sister but was declined because of incidents of rheumatic fever as a child. After applying to two other religious communities in Texas and California, she was again declined by both. Seeing a small ad in a directory for the Srs. of St. Francis, she applied, interested in the convent’s ministry in China. The convent responded to her letting her know they were discontinuing their China ministry, but welcomed her to explore the other opportunities available.
Sr. Patricia’s father wasn’t Catholic and was not in favor of her career choice, but that did not deter her. Soon her mother would drop her off at the train station bound for Batesville. In September of 1949 she began her life as a Franciscan Sister. She taught in Ohio and Indiana from 1951 to 1965 before serving nine years as Principal in New Alsace, Indiana. In 1974 she accepted the position of Assistant Librarian at Marian University in Indianapolis, retiring in 2009 after 35 years.
Sr. Patricia is survived by sisters Gladys Connor of Salina, Kansas, Lorrie Blackwill of Quinter, Kansas, Kay Religa of Brooksville, Kansas, Karen Vail of Salina, Kansas; brothers James of Catoosa, Oklahoma, Larry of WaKeeney, Kansas; 20 nieces and nephews, 47 great nieces and nephews and 26 great-great nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation is Monday, November 13th, from 1 – 3 p.m. at the convent. Funeral services follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Robert Weakley O.F.M. officiating. Burial will follow in the convent cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100 Oldenburg, IN, 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).
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