February 28, 1930 – February 1, 2023
Sister Patricia Louise Belongia, age 92, died on February 1, 2023 at SSM Franciscan Courts, Oshkosh, WI. Her sister, Veronica Davidson, was with her.
Sr. Patricia Louise, born on February 28, 1930 in Neenah, WI, was named and baptized Patricia Louise. Patricia Louise was one of ten children born to Fred and Clara (De Grand) Belongia. She had three sisters (Catherine, Roseanne, and Veronica) and six brothers (Emerson, Alden, Matthew, Myron, James and Clayton). Her brother, James, crafted Sister’s coffin prior to his death, as requested by Sister.
Patricia Louise entered the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother in Milwaukee, WI on June 20, 1944. She professed first vows on August 12, 1948, receiving the name Sister M. Joachim. Later she changed it back to her baptismal name and became known as Sister Patricia Louise. She professed her Final Vows on August 12, 1953 both in Milwaukee, WI. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee on August 1, 1973 in Milwaukee, WI; her Golden Jubilee on September 1, 1995, her 60th Jubilee on September 21, 2008, and her Diamond Jubilee on August 12, 2018, all three in Oshkosh, WI.
Sr. Patricia Louise served in food services in various positions at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mankato, MN (1948-1950); St. Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point, WI (1950-1959); Holy Family Hospital, Estherville, IA (1959-1967); and Mother of Sorrows Convent, Milwaukee, WI (1967-1976). After being certified as a Chaplain, Sr. Patricia worked in Pastoral Care at Holy Family Hospital in Estherville, IA (1977-1996) and at Our Lady of Victory in Stanley, WI (1996-2014). Sister went to Stanley, WI, as the hospital transitioned to a Catholic Hospital. Sr. Patricia Louise retired to SSM Franciscan Courts, Oshkosh, WI in April 2014.
Sister was well known for her presence within the local communities in which she ministered. She lived a simple life; yet shared her baked goods with employees and staff, especially during the holidays. She was a great gardener and loved to share her produce with those who most needed it.
Sr. Patricia Louise was preceded in death by her parents, five of her brothers and one of her sisters. She has two living sisters, Sr. Catherine Marie Belongia, also a Sister of the Sorrowful Mother, and Veronica Davidson; and one living brother, Matthew Belongia.
Homecoming was at 4:00 p.m. at SSM Franciscan Courts on Wednesday, February 8, 2023. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at SSM Franciscan Courts, Oshkosh, WI with Rev. William Hower officiating. Burial took place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Oshkosh, WI.
May she be at peace with her loving Creator.
Submitted by Sr. Sherri Marie Kuhn