Sister Mary Patricia ND 5984 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Mary Milan)
Patricia Ann VOVK
(natural sister of Sister Mary Jane, formerly Sister Mary Patriciarose)
Christ the King Province, Chardon, Ohio, USA
Date and Place of Birth: April 6, 1945 Lorain Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1965 Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: February 5, 2018 Cleveland Clinic, Avon, Ohio
Date and Place of Funeral: February 12, 2018 Provincial Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: February 12, 2018 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio
“We are in the God’s hands”
Frank and Joanne (nee Hiti) Vovk, both born in Yugoslavia, were the proud parents of two very precious girls, Mary Jane and Patricia. Childhood days for the girls were treasured and happy as the close-knit family played, worked and prayed together. Music and singing were always a part of their small family gatherings and evenings would find them singing songs in Slovenian accompanied by their father on the accordion and by Patricia on the piano.
After attending SS. Cyril & Methodius Elementary School, Patricia joined her sister as an aspirant with the Sisters of Notre Dame. Taking this first step toward becoming a religious was difficult because of the responsibility she felt toward her parents. She was assured that if God really was calling her, He would surely take good care of them. Patricia entered the community on February 2, 1963, and at investment received the name Sister Mary Milan. Later, she returned to her baptismal name.
Sister Mary Patricia received a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland; a master’s degree from Cleveland State University; and a second master’s degree, in religious education, from Notre Dame Institute, Middleburg, Virginia. For almost fifty years, whether as teacher, principal or tutor, Sister Mary Patricia had a passion for Catholic education. She was the consummate educator who loved children and nurtured every aspect of their development. Her understanding and compassionate heart was open to all, and in whatever role she ministered, Jesus was always the focus of what she was about.
Sister strove to create a faith-filled environment where each person could grow and thrive as a child of God. She viewed education as a total effort from parents, teachers and students. Sister was dedicated to the needs of each parish where she served, enthusiastic and energized by life-giving moments found in sometimes hidden places—in children, friends, nature, music, and a good story. She was a woman of conviction and gentleness, wisdom and humor, prayer and a welcoming spirit—all wrapped in a loving smile!
Sister Mary Patricia had faced a number of health challenges in recent years. One of these, cancer of the blood, became extremely aggressive in the short time prior to her hospitalization just one week ago. Over the years, when asked how she was, Sister would characteristically say, “I am fine,” knowing that in God’s hands, she was fine. She approached all the events of life with this perspective, and then moved on. Our good God has embraced the human life of Sister Mary Patricia and has gifted her with eternal life. May she rest in God’s peace.
by Dreamhost