obit-sister-patrick-whalen.jpgSister M. Patrick Whalen, age 95, of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, died Sept. 21, at St. Francis Convent, Springfield.

The former Mary Alma Whalen, she was born in Raymond on Nov. 10, 1912, the daughter of Patrick and Ella Marten Whalen. She entered the congregation on Sept. 8, 1933 and professed her religious vows on May 3, 1936.

Sister M. Patrick 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. 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, Wis., and Patrick Dale Whalen of Morrisonville; three sisters, Mildred DeFeo of Springfield, Marge Mormino of Hillsboro and Mary Mormino of Taylorville; several nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan sisters with whom she shared her life for over 75 years.

The Eucharistic celebration and Rite of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Andre Schludecker, OFM, on Sept. 24 in St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel at the Motherhouse. Burial was in Crucifixion Hill Cemetery.

Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.