I smile whenever I think of Sr. Colette. I had the privilege of being her assistant in the nametag office my senior year (1986). That's where students used to go before the first bell when they lost or misplaced their nametag. If a new nametag was ordered the student got a slip and could avoid detention. So, the scared student would come to the office door, which was closed on the bottom and open at the top half. Sr. Colette sat at a desk by the doorway and would non-chalantly look at the student and ask, "What are you?" as if it were the most natural question in the world to ask anyone. ("What's your name?" came later.) The long delay and the awkward responses would make me guffaw from the back corner. I suggested once that the question should be, "What GRADE are you?" (which is the info she was looking for) but Sr. Colette just smiled and continued to ask the question the same way, and always with a straight face. I know she got a kick out of it, though. I certainly did. 
Her dry wit, and her height were intimidating at first, but I remember vividly her straight talk, her humor and the fact that she never rushed. (Despite the imminent bell!)  
Rest in peace, Sr. Colette.

love,
That Walsh girl

I taught at St. Mary's Dominican High School from 1982 through 1990. Learned so much from the nuns (Sr. Delia, Sr. Angeline, Sr. Mary Dominic-Savio, Sr. Hillary, Sr. Hildegard, and others) and lay faculty. What I learned most from Sr. Colette was humility. Since she was neither faculty nor administration, she had  more time to talk with us during planning periods or as she collected attendance ships from every class during the day. 
Her insight into situations was wonderful. She knew that my decision to leave Dominican was difficult because it was home and we were surrounded by family. She told me several times that it was Dominican's loss that I left, but I had to grow professionally.  We kept in touch through seasonal cards and other mail. I also called her whenever I had a new position. I got my latest job last Thursday, July 22nd and was not able to tell her.
She also had a great sense of humor, but you had to catch on to it. My sister, Kerrie, went to the visitation this afternoon and shared a story where she lost a valued pen at Dominican and Sr. Colette found it. When Kerrie  asked Sr. Colette about it in the office, Sr. Colette had it. Kerrie said (paraphrased), "O, thank You Saint Anthony." Sr. Colette said, "No, Thank Sr. Colette." We laughed and laughed. Since then (over twenty years later) Kerrie and I still say " Thank Sr. Colette" when we find a lost item. 
I was at Dominican a year ago because I came to New Orleans to work with the mathematics teachers. Kerrie and Sr. Margie Millet  brought her to Dominican last year to see me. Some of the nuns there that day told me to not be surprised if she did not come to visit with me because she rarely left the Motherhouse. However, she came and I saw her for the last time. We did talk a couple of times since then.
Godspeed Sr. Colette. We will miss you.

Sister Colette was truly an inspirational woman who I admired and grew to love dearly.  I will cherish our friendship always.  Love, Audrey Laurent

Sr. Mary Collette was my eighth grade teacher when I attended St. Matthias Grammar School in New Orleans. Over the years since graduating from St. Matthias, I kept up a relationship with Sister which I greatly treasured.  During a very difficult time in my life, Sr. Collette offered words of advice to me which I know came from her strong faith and love of God.  You will be missed, Sr. Collette, but I know you are in a much better place.  Please watch over me and keep me in your prayers.

Deepest love,
Missy Hotard

OBITUARY

Ruth Mary (Sr. Colette) Philips O.P.

June 28, 1929 – July 26, 2011

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