Age 79
Sister Patricia A. Gilbert was a Sister of Mercy for 62 years. She entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 14, 1959 and made her perpetual vows on June 29, 1967. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Medaille College and went on to receive a master’s degree in education from Niagara University.
Sister Patricia’s education ministry in Buffalo introduced her to the students at St. Thomas Aquinas, St. John Evangelist and St. Brigid Schools. After teaching at St. Joseph School in Albion, New York, she was assigned as principal at Immaculate Conception School in Wellsville and then at St. John Vianney School in Orchard Park. When leaving St. John Vianney School, Sister Patricia was presented with a beautiful quilt made by the school community. Each square reflected their gratitude for her leadership and caring during her years as principal.
Sister Patricia shared her gifts in other ministries throughout her 62 years as a Sister of Mercy. She served her Mercy Community when she was elected to be a member of the Community Leadership Team. She also served as co-director of the Mercy Associate Program. Her leadership skills and her concern for others were a blessing for Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in the First Ward where she ministered as Pastoral Associate.
Sister Patricia’s life of service continued when she reached out in Mercy to the students at the Warde Center, to the clients at the South Buffalo Community Table, and to the countless patients she visited when volunteering in the Pastoral Care Department at Mercy Hospital in New York.