Sister Patricia Malone, CSJ

(Sister Katherine Patricia)

We Remember her In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter

March 18, 1933 – December 31, 2024.

In the 69ᵗʰ year of her Religious Life. Entered: September 8, 1951

Sister Patricia Malone was born in Haverhill into a family of nine children. Her parents certainly were people of strong Catholic faith and belief in God’s providence to raise such a large family. At the age of 19 Pat left her beloved Haverhill and entered the Congregation in 1951. She received the religious name of Sister Katherine Patricia — names of her mother and father, Katherine and Patrick. 

Sister Patricia’s ministry was extensive throughout her years of service. Her initial ministry was as a teacher in several of the Archdiocesan elementary schools. As the years of her ministry progressed, Pat was sent to receive post college degrees from Stitch College and Boston University. This education prepared her to embrace ministries as a reading instructor, speech pathologist, college professor, adjunct professor and speech and language therapist at St. Joseph Reading Clinic, Regis College St. John Seminary, and New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Woburn. While living at the Motherhouse Pat also utilized her skills as an Educational Instructor many students. In all these ministries, Sister Pat displayed not only her professional skills and talents, but she emulated in her demeanor the CSJ charism of care and concern for education of the dear neighbor. 

However, as Pat’s years of life progressed her health changed. A disease infected her eyes which caused severe blindness that required drastic medical procedures. Many of us – and I am sure her family also – witnessed her acceptance of this illness and her endeavors to accommodate and adjust to the challenges of living her daily life. It was a true blessing Pat had the companionship of her sisters Millie and Mary at Bethany to assist her and bring her comfort and support. Often, we would see the three Malone sisters together on the fifth floor or on the second floor at the resident sing along, singing Blue and White, the Haverhill song. They knew every word! Frequent visits from her family, especially her niece Margaret, gave Pat great joy and provided her with information about all the family members. 

“I saw a new heaven and a new earth”. Words from the book of Revelation speaks of new sight… one wonders now what Pat is seeing and experiencing. Perhaps now unexpected joy! All darkness is now wiped away from that which blinded her for so long… For Sister Pat, “The old order has passed away.”  

Paul’s letter to the Romans predicts, “If God is with us, who can be against us.”  We are “More than Conquerors. Because God has loved us.”   

I am sure Sister Pat Malone believed this. For us, we witnessed her life as a cross. But I believe in her spiritual silent life Pat felt and experienced God’s promise of fidelity and strength, thus enabling her to live each day with such simplicity and optimistic attitude. Never did anyone hear Sister Pat utter a complaint! She deeply comprehended that nothing separated her from her God! 

The words of the Gospel tell us of God’s reward and fulfillment. God kept his final promises to Sister Patricia Malone. God prepared a place in eternity for her. On December 29th God reached out quietly to Sister Patricia Malone and guided her to her heavenly home.  

The members of the Malone family can be proud of Sister Pat. Now you can rejoice for all these family members who are all united with their parents celebrating together. 

We, the Sisters of St. Joseph, give thanks for the presence of Sister Pat Malone in our Congregation for the past 73 years. We thank her for living her vocation as a Sister of St. Joseph with dedication and full acceptance of God’s will for her. 

 Eternal rest to you, Sister Patricia Malone. May you now rest in the peace of your loving God.