Sister Marita Patrick Devlin died on November 15, 2021 in Camilla Hall. Sister was in the 73rd year of her religious life.
Mary Theresa Devlin was born on September 8, 1930. Her parents Patrick and Mary (Taylor) Devlin raised their family in St. Joseph Parish in Ashland, PA. Mary Theresa attended St. Joseph Elementary School and Immaculate Heart Academy in Fountain Springs, PA. She graduated from high school in 1947. Later, while in the Community, Sister earned degrees from Immaculata College and Temple University.
Mary Theresa entered the Congregation on February 2, 1949; she received her habit and her religious name, Sister Marita Patrick, on August 16, 1949; and she professed First Vows on August 15, 1951.
At the outset of Sister Marita’s teaching ministry, Sister taught first and second grade children through the school year ending 1958. Sister served at Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Bridgeport; Little Flower in McAdoo; and Transfiguration in Philadelphia. Before leaving Transfiguration, Sister taught seventh grade children.
From the fall of 1959 through June 1978, Sister Marita taught children in fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Sister Marita Patrick was very versatile. Sister served children and their families in the following parishes/schools: St. Ann in Phoenixville; St. Stephen in Port Carbon; St. Matthew in Connecticut; St. Joan of Arc, St. Veronica, St. Joachim, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Holy Innocents all in Philadelphia.
In the fall of 1978 through December 1988, Sister Marita taught Social Studies to High School students at Immaculate Heart in Fountain Springs; Bishop Conwell in Levittown, and St. Maria Goretti High School in Philadelphia.
Sister next served at our Spiritual Treasury Office in Camilla Hall for 1-1/2 years, after which ministered as a Clerical Assistant at St. Hubert High School for 9 years and at St. Anselm in Philadelphia for 1 year.
In August 2001 until February 2005, Sister brought her versatile skills to Villa Maria House of Studies where she served in the Communications Office and offered her services as a tutor. Sister’s last assignment: Sister Marita Patrick served as a faithful member of the Apostolate of Prayer in Camilla Hall until she returned to the Lord on November 15, 2021.
In addition to her IHM Community, Sister is survived by her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Sister is predeceased by her parents Patrick Joseph Devlin, Mae (Taylor) Devlin, her sister Bernadette Farley and her brothers Vincent P. and Edward G. Devlin.
Reverend Michael Callaghan, C.M. (Homilist), along with Reverend John Burger celebrated Sister’s Funeral Mass on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355