Age 81
Inspired by her motto, “to serve the Living God,” Sister Patricia (Pat) Vetrano, RSM, was a loving, compassionate educator, and leader. Her warmth enveloped everyone she encountered. A gentle woman of deep faith, she was vivacious and engaging, a great listener and storyteller, loved by many.
Born in Tarrytown, New York, Sister Pat attended Our Lady of Victory Academy in Dobbs Ferry, New York. She received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Mercy College, also in Dobbs Ferry. She also held a master’s degree in counseling from Manhattan College in the Bronx, New York.
She began her teaching career in St. Joesph School in Spring Valley and then taught elementary school for six years at St. Ann’s Parish in Ossining, Westchester County, New York. Next, she became involved in parish ministry at St. Mary’s Parish in Mount Vernon, New York, and Sts. Philip and James in the Bronx. For the next five years she worked in vocations, training and preparing young women for service and participation in the life of the church and congregation.
In 1986, she returned to her alma mater, Our Lady of Victory, as a guidance counselor. Four years later she became principal of the school serving for ten years. In 2000, she was elected to leadership of the former New York regional community of the Sisters of Mercy, a position she held for seven years. Next, she ministered in Merion, Pennsylvania, for four years as the vice-president of the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy and was elected president for the next ten years. After leadership, she returned to her roots in Tarrytown, and later Hartsdale, New York, continuing to be a vibrant presence.
Sister Pat was preceded in death by her mother, Madeline (Brynes) Vetrano. She is survived by her sisters, Roberta Wittenberg (Stefan) and Joan Malone (Daniel), as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.