Sister M. Patrick Whalen, O.S.F.

Sister M. Patrick Whalen, O.S.F., 95, of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis died on September 21, 2008 at 2:00 a.m. at St. Francis Convent, Springfield, Illinois. Sister Patrick, the former Mary Alma Whalen, was born in Raymond, IL, on November 10, 1912, the daughter of Patrick and Ella Marten Whalen. She entered the Congregation on September 8, 1933 and professed her religious vows on May 3, 1936. Sister was a graduate of St. John's Hospital School of Nursing. She served the community as a nurse at hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin and at Brother James Court in Springfield, IL. She retired to the Motherhouse in 1990. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Clyde and William Whalen, and one sister, Luella Eickhoff. She is survived by two brothers, Leo Whalen of Monroe, WI; Patrick Dale Whalen of Morrisonville, IL; three sisters, Mildred DeFeo of Springfield, IL; Marge Mormino of Hillsboro, IL; and Mary Mormino of Taylorville, IL; several nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared her life for over 75 years. Visitation will be held at the Motherhouse from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2008. The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Andre Schludecker, O.F.M., on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. in St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel at the Motherhouse. Burial will be in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery. The Franciscan Sisters and family of Sr. M. Patrick Whalen, O.S.F. are being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.