Sister M. Patricia Kilbride, R. Obituary (2014)

(Sister Mary Ernest)February 18, 2014 PORTLAND - Sister M. Patricia Kilbride, R.S.M. (Sister Mary Ernest), 86 yrs., died peacefully at Frances Warde Convent on February 18, 2014, after a short illness. Sister Patricia was the daughter of Ernest E. and Margaret Mary McGuiness Kilbride. In 1948, Sister Patricia joined her sister, Sister Elizabeth Kilbride (Sister M. Alacoque) and entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Patrick's Parish, Portland. Sister Patricia was a graduate of Cathedral High School, class of 1945, and received her B.S. in Education from St. Joseph's College, Standish. She also studied Theology in preparation for her ministry as Coordinator of Religious Studies. Sister Patricia began her ministry in elementary education and taught in a number of parochial schools through Maine. Her first assignment was at the Cathedral School, Portland, followed by St. Joseph's School, Lewiston; St. Dominic's School, Portland; Holy Cross, South Portland; St. Mary's School, Orono; St. Mary's School, Westbrook; St. John's School, Bangor; St. Mary's School, Augusta and she was also a teacher at the Passamaquoddy Reservation, Pleasant Point, Perry. After retiring from formal teaching, Sr. Patricia became the Religious Studies Coordinator at St. Mary's Parish, Bangor. During her years in active ministry, Sister Patricia served on a variety of Boards and Committees. She particularly enjoyed her time on the Worship and Spirituality and the Liturgy Planning Commissions. Sister Patricia had a love for music and frequently joined the music ministries in whatever parish she served, including her latest home at Frances Warde Convent. It was a great honor for her to be selected to sing in the choir in 1976 at the Eucharistic Congress in PA. Upon her return to St. Joseph's Motherhouse, Sister Patricia volunteered as Coordinator of the Infirmary, a position that made her near and dear to the sick Sisters she ministered to. There was nothing too small she wouldn't do for them, always with a joyful spirit and with great care and attention. Her deep faith led her to believe that all is a gift to me; everything is God to me. (Eckhart) Even in her last days, she said to those present, trust God. Affectionately known as Aunt Pat to her family, she was always supportive and positive. Coming from a large, close-knit family, she enjoyed each and every one of them and was anxious to hear about their activities and accomplishments. Each felt that they were her favorite! Sister Pat loved family celebrations, especially when they all sang together. What a wonderful gift her family gave her as she was preparing to go to her greatest Celebration, by singing her favorite hymns and songs at her bedside. Besides her dear parents, Ernest and Margaret, Sr. Patricia was predeceased by a sister Ethel and her brothers, Ernest, Richard and Charles. She is survived by her sister, Sister Elizabeth Kilbride, R.S.M., many nieces and nephew, many great nieces and great nephews as well as her Sisters in community. Visiting hours will be from 3 -7 p.m. on Friday, February 21st, with a Prayer Service at 6 p.m. at Conroy- Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, at St. Joseph's Church, 673 Stevens Avenue, Portland. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Patricia's memory, may be sent to Sisters of Mercy, c/o Sr. Maureen Wallace, Administrator; 966 Riverside St., Portland 04103.Online condolences may be expressed below.