SINSINAWA, Wis. — Dominican Sister Florence Gavin died Dec. 8, 2020, at St. Dominic Villa in Hazel Green, Wis. Her religious name was Sister Petra.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Dominican motherhouse in Sinsinawa on Dec. 18, 2020, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Florence made her first profession as a Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa on Aug. 5, 1950, and her perpetual profession on Aug. 5, 1953. She taught for 30 years and served as director of religious education for four years, nurse aid for two years, and pastoral care person for seven years. Sister Florence guided people who wanted to grow in their spiritual lives for five years. She was generous to all in her gentle attention to God’s path as each life unfolded in her presence.
In the Diocese of Charlotte, Sister Florence guided people in their spiritual lives at St. Jude Parish in Sapphire Valley and Our Lady of the Mountains Parish in Highlands from 1990-1991.
Besides North Carolina, Sister Florence served in Illinois, the District of Columbia, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, California, Iowa, Alabama, South Carolina, Hawaii and Tennessee, as well as Cochabamba, Bolivia.
She was born May 13, 1929, in Lake Geneva, Wis., the daughter of Paul and Blanche (Robinson) Gavin.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Helena Gavin; and four brothers, Robert Gavin, G. Thomas Gavin, Paul Gavin and A. Peter Gavin.
She is survived by nieces, nephews and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared 70 years of religious life.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or at www.sinsinawa.org/donate online.
A repeat broadcast of the funeral for Sister Florence is available online at www.sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab.
— Catholic News Herald
St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. — Providence Sister Regis McNulty died Dec. 4, 2020, in Terre Haute, Ind. She was 92.
Dorothy Marie McNulty was born on Sept. 10, 1928, in Chelsea, Mass., to James and Mary Loemen McNulty.
She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Feb. 11, 1948, and professed final vows Aug. 15, 1955, taking the religious name Sister Regis. She earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and master’s degrees from Boston College and Antioch University in Keene, N.H.
During her 72 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered in education for 28 years in schools in Indiana, Illinois, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. In North Carolina, she served at Charlotte Catholic High School (1972-’73) and was principal at St. Joan of Arc School in Asheville (1973-’74).
Having earned certification as a counselor, she served for 20 years as a therapist and clinical supervisor at Beech Hill Hospital in Dublin, N.H. After retiring, she remained in New Hampshire and served as a consultant for the hospital and an adjunct professor for Antioch University. In 2012 she returned to the Motherhouse, where she served her sisters in a variety of ways.
Beginning in 2015, she committed herself totally to the ministry of prayer.
Sister Regis lived her life with great energy. A woman of deep compassion, she cared greatly for others and formed lasting friendships. Fun-loving and gifted with a great sense of humor, when she was part of a group, everyone had a good time.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Connie Hanley, and a brother, Raymond McNulty.
She is survived by nieces and nephews.
Due to pandemic restrictions, her wake and funeral were held privately on Dec. 17, 2020. Burial followed at the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876. One may share or read memories of Sister Regis on the Sister of Providence’s website, www.spsmw.org/category/obituaries.
DeBaun Funeral Homes and Crematory was in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald