Springfield Dominican Sister M. Paulita Philippe died March 16, 2019, at Sacred Heart Convent. She was born in Livingston, Ill., in 1937, and named Annette Mary by her parents, Paul and Emma (Martinelli) Philippe. She made her profession of vows in 1959 at Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield, Ill.
Sister M. Paulita dedicated her life to education and pastoral ministry. She enjoyed especially her 15 years among Spanish-speaking Catholics in Rogers, Ark., east central Illinois, and Kankakee County during the final 16 years of active ministry. Early in her religious life she taught elementary grades at St. Agnes, Springfield; St. Christina, Chicago; St Bernadette, Evergreen Park; St. Francis, Jerseyville; and Holy Family, Decatur.
In 1978 she began ministering in programs of religious education for adults and children, including six years as director of adult education and liturgy at Holy Rosary Parish, Duluth, Minn., then for shorter periods of time at the Religious Education Center, Hillsboro; St. Thomas, Decatur; St. Jude, Rochester; and St. Mary, Assumption.
Sister M. Paulita was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Elaine Libbra. She is survived by her sister Dorothy (Marion) Tsupros and her brother Richard (Carol) Philippe, all of Livingston, Ill., many nieces, nephews, and beloved friends.
Visitors are welcome.
Visitation: 4:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Aquinas Center, Sacred Heart Convent, 1237 W. Monroe St. in Springfield. The visitation begins with a prayer service.
Funeral Mass: 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Father Peter Witchousky, OP, celebrant.
Morning Prayer, Remembering, and Final Commendation: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at Sacred Heart Convent Chapel. Burial follows at Calvary Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dominican Sisters Retirement Fund, 1237 W. Monroe St., Springfield, IL, 62704.
The Dominican Sisters and family of Sister M. Paulita are being served by Butler Funeral Homes, Springfield.
I am saddened to hear of her passing. We connected over 40 years ago studying at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. May she know the fullness of God’ s great love.
Sr. Paulita was untiring working with families in difficult situations. She truly loved those she served. She was what made Spanish speaking ministry a reality at St. Patrick Parish in Momence, and was a faithful and faithfilled staff member and colleague. Sr. Paulita embodied the Dominican charism of leading, teaching and serving. Thank you, God, for calling her to serve, and touch my life as well.
Sister Mary Paulita was my third grade teacher at St. Agnes in Springfield, Illinois! We were a large class (around 60 I believe) as typical of those days, in 1959. I believe that we were her first class and St. Agnes was her first mission! She was kind and funny and played ball with us on the playground! Those years at St. Agnes for us were wonderful years. I am grateful that we maintained that friendship and relationship over all of these years. I was always happy to see her at the Motherhouse when I would return to Springfield! We would even speak Spanish then.. May she hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant, enter now into the joy of your Lord…”