Coughlin, Sister Patricia D.C.

MENANDS-Sister Patricia Coughlin, DC died, Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at St. Louise House in Menands. Sister was 87 years of age and 64 years vocation.

Born in Bridgeport, CT on March 17, 1929, Sister Patricia was the first of two children born to James and Margaret (Ryan) Coughlin. Sister Patricia joined the Community of Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Emmitsburg, MD on December 22, 1952. She attended primary school at St. Anthony’s School in Bridgeport, CT and graduated from secondary school at Lauralton Hall, Milford, CT. She earned a BA from University of Connecticut at Storrs, an ETTP from Southern Connecticut, New Haven and a Master of Arts from St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY. Early in her ministry, Sister Patricia was education coordinator/teacher at The Astor Home in Rhinebeck, NY and at Nazareth Holy Childhood School in Boston, MA. After earning a MA in English, Sister Patricia taught secondary school English and Literature at Immaculate Conception Academy, Washington, DC; Bishop England High School, Charleston, SC; Holy Cross Academy, Lynchburg, VA; Bishop McCloskey High School, Albany, NY; and Seton High School, Endicott, NY. Sister Patricia was education coordinator at the Kennedy Child Study Center in New York, NY; and then taught at St Mark’s High School, Wilmington, DE. At Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Bayside, NY Sister Patricia was part of the RCIA program which instructs new Catholics in the faith. In 1999 Sister Patricia spent a year in China working in international English programs. Upon her return, she became an adjunct professor at St Vincent’s College, Bridgeport, CT. Always an avid learner, Sister Patricia participated in workshops at many colleges and universities throughout her career. In 2011, she joined the Ministry of Prayer at St. Louise House and served there until the time of her death.

Sister Patricia was predeceased by her brother Thomas Coughlin; she is survived by her sister-in-law Barbara; her nieces Sheila Nevins and Elizabeth Callahan, her nephew, Kevin Coughlin; 1 grand-niece, several grand-nephews and her Sisters in Community.

A Wake Service for Sister Patricia Coughlin, D.C., will be held Monday, March 6, 2017, 4 to 7 PM, at DePaul Chapel 96 Menand Rd. Menands. A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Patricia Coughlin, D.C., will be celebrated Tuesday, March 7th at 10:30 AM in DePaul Chapel. Burial will follow in St. Agnes in Cemetery in Menands. Donations in her memory may be made to the Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louise, 4330 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO.