Sister Patricia Louise, died on February 1, 2023 at SSM Franciscan Courts with her sister by her side. 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.
From 1944-1977, Sister Patricia Louise served in food services in various positions at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mankato, MN; St. Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point, WI; Holy Family Hospital, Estherville, IA; and Mother of Sorrows Convent, Milwaukee, WI. From 1977-2014, Sister Patricia worked in Pastoral Care, serving as a chaplain 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. In 2014, Sister Patricia Louise retired to SSM Franciscan Courts, Oshkosh, WI.
Sister was well known for her presence within the local communities in which she ministered as an advocate for the poor. She was a great gardener and loved to share her produce with those who most needed it. If you met Sister you know one of her biggest enjoyments was being surrounded by clowns.
Sister Patricia Louise was preceded in death by her parents, five of her brothers and one of her sisters. She has two living sisters, Sister 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 will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at SSM Franciscan Courts, Oshkosh, WI with Rev. William Hower officiating. Burial will take place at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Oshkosh, WI.
Fiss & Bills Poklasny Funeral Home will oversee the arrangements.
