Margaret Scholastica Lee, SP
February 12, 1921 - December 1, 2013
Obituary
Scholastica Lee, SP
(Name in Religion: Sr. Scholastica Mary)
Sr. Scholastica Lee died on December 1, 2013 at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle, WA at 92 years of age after 62 years as a Sister of Providence. Vigil Service: Sunday, December 8, 2013, 7:00 pm, at St. Joseph Residence, 4800 37th Avenue SW, Seattle, Wash. Funeral Mass: Monday, December 9, 2013, 11:00 am at the same location. Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Seattle, Wash., following the Mass and luncheon. Bonney-Watson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
She was born on February 12, 1921 to Joseph Lee and Catherine (O’Gara) Lee in Eden, Fairymount, Frenchpark, Castlerea, County Roscommon, Ireland, the day before the feast of St. Scholastica. She had six sisters and one brother. She attended St. Joseph’s Secondary School in Ballaghaderreen, County Roscommon. In the 1940’s, she and her brother, Tom, came to the United States where they were welcomed to the Northwest by an aunt and four of her sisters.
Sr. Scholastica entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Providence on May 18, 1951, made her first profession on November 19, 1952, and her final vows on November 19, 1955.
Academic accomplishments: Completion of the High School Course of Study, Providence Academy, Vancouver, Wash., – June 1952; B.S., College of Great Falls (now University of Great Falls), Montana – 1963; M.Ed., Fort Wright College of the Holy Names, Spokane, Wash – 1974.
Ministry assignments: Teacher, St. Patrick School, Walla Walla, Wash; Providence Academy and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Vancouver, Wash., St. Joseph Grade School, Yakima, Wash., and Immaculate Conception School, Fairbanks, Alaska.
In 1972, Sr. Scholastica switched to parish work in religious education serving in the following parishes: St. Monica Parish, Coos Bay, Ore., Holy Names Parish, Coquille, Ore., and St. Michael Parish in Snohomish, Wash. She then returned to St. Joseph Grade School in Yakima to coordinate religious education and teaching.
Although teaching was her first ministry, she found great fulfillment in her 17-year role as hospital chaplain at Providence St. Vincent Medical Center in Portland, Oregon.
She enjoyed music, reading, movies, walking, and keeping in touch with the Sisters of Providence, and family and friends. In 2001, she made a pilgrimage to Rome for the beatification of Blessed Emilie Gamelin.
Sr. Scholastica is preceded in death by her parents, her seven siblings, and her aunts and uncles. She is survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.
Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the Sisters of Providence Retirement Fund, 1801 Lind Avenue SW, #9016, Renton, WA 98057-9016.
A faith-filled Irish woman and a very good and true friend for over 60 years. Her sense of humor cannot be matched.
We’ll miss you my Dear Aunt.
John and Josephine Lee
Scho’s dedication and patience were outstanding. She had a sincere concern for all whom she served not only when she actively ministered, but even in the frailty of her last days. We rejoice that God has brought her to the rewards of her loving labors.
The earth is a poorer place now that her soul is in heaven. Sr Scho brought great credit to the Sisters and to Ireland.RIP.
What a Great, Wonderful, Happy, Giving and Loving Woman.
She was, Truly a Person of God, and a Blessing to His People.
I Loved Her Very much, and will Miss Her even more.
Please say a Little Prayer for Her.