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KLOPATEK -- Felician Sister Mary Paula Klopatek, after 37,688 days (103+ years), completed her earthly life at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Provincial House on March 18, 2004. She was one of the few people whose life spanned two centuries and witnessed a myriad of inventions and changes in life styles and in the Church. Born Valerie Veronica, in Polonia, Wisconsin, December 17, 1900 to John and Ann (Kluck) Klopatek, she was the youngest of five children and the last survivor. In 1914, she entered Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Milwaukee, WI where she remained for three years of education. After she completed her high school education in Detroit, MI, and after she received a diploma from Wisconsin State College, Steven Point, WI, she moved to California where she worked for the Southern California Edison Company until she entered the Felician novitiate in Ponca City, OK, on December 31, 1956. Her first ministry as a Felician Sister was that of an accountant at Rosary Hospital in Corning, IA. She joined the teaching ranks in 1959 and for the next fifteen years, taught in Texas and California. During her years as a teacher, she ministered to children in grades 3 to 7. In 1974 she retired from teaching and worked in the internal ministries of the congregation, especially prayer, in Ponca City, OK, and later in Tecumseh, NE. In 1980, she continued her ministry or prayer and internal works of the community in Rio Rancho, NM, at the provincial house. She was an avid gardener and loved to read. In her final years, sister suffered much and when in intense pain would say, "I am in such pain today, but Jesus suffered so much more for me." With those words, a smile would break through, like a radiant sunrise. Wake and Rosary Services will be held at the Felician Sisters' Chapel, 4210 Meadowlark Lane, SE, Rio Rancho at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2004. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 9:30 a.m. followed by graveside services at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque. May she rest in peace. Arrangements by: Vista Verde Mortuary Rio Rancho, New Mexico 892-9920
        Published on: Sun March 21, 2004