Sister Patricia Burke

Friday, Feb. 24, 2017

Sister Patricia Burke

Aug. 10, 1920 – Feb. 7, 2017

Sister Patricia Burke died on Feb. 7, 2017 at Saint Mary’s Convent, Notre Dame, Ind., having lived a full life as a missionary Sister of the Holy Cross, nurse and anesthetist.  

She recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of her First Profession of Vows (Feb. 2, 1942).  

Sr. Patricia, a.k.a. Sr. Loyola, nursed on three continents: North America, Asia and Africa.  She served 19 years in Catholic hospitals in the United States: in Salt Lake City, Boise, San Fernando and Fresno.

She also served nearly eight years in East Pakistan (Bangladesh) and 22 years in Uganda.  

The Sisters of the Holy Cross in Uganda, currently observing the golden jubilee of their mission, consider Sr. Patricia one of their founding members.  

Of East Africa she wrote, “From 1968 to 1986, I experienced two civil wars, seven presidents and two military governments.” Despite the civil strife, she and the other sisters and laity were able to set up clinics and hospitals in Fort Portal, Bugomba and Mbarra dispensing the most basic health care when “surgical operations were done by sunlight or at night by kerosene lantern or flashlight.”  

Back in her home country, though retired, Sister Patricia continued to hold high the lantern for her beloved “pearl of Africa.”  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry with the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Ind. 46556 or online at www.cscsisters.org where you can read more about Sister Patricia.

The Mass of the Resurrection for Sr. Patricia was held Feb. 15 at the Church of Our Lady of Loretto.

All arrangements were handled by Kaniewski Funeral Home.