Sister Madeleine O'Sullivan

Sister Mary Madeleine O'Sullivan, 79, of Edgeley, ND, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at Manor St. Joseph, Edgeley.

Eileen Philomena O'Sullivan was born on the family farm September 29, 1932, in Bonane, Kenmare County, Kerry, Ireland, the daughter of Michael and Julia O'Sullivan. She was one of 12 siblings: 8 sisters, and 3 brothers. Sr. Madeleine attended country school and helped her father tend the farm and the rich, green scenic land during her teen years.

At the age of 19, she went to England for a short time before returning to Dublin, Ireland where she worked in a grocery store. She returned to the farm until 1953 when she sailed to the United States to join her sisters in Detroit, MI. She was employed at a Catholic girls' school in Grosse Pointe, MI. She found her calling after many conversations with a priest from Detroit, and in February of 1956, applied and was accepted into the Sister Servants of Christ of King (Franciscan Order) in Mount Calvary, WI. It was then she took her name of Sister Mary Madeleine as a sign of giving up worldly possessions. She chose her sister's name that she was exceptionally close with. Moreover, there was already a Sister Philomena at this community.

Sr. Madeleine underwent one year of postulant training and two years of novitiate. She professed her vows on August 22, 1958, and in December went to Manor St. Joseph in Edgeley to work as a nurse's assistant.

During her time in Edgeley, she has visited many places including England, Ireland, New York, Detroit, Wallace, Indiana (where she helped with a children's summer camp), and of course, Wisconsin.

She became a United States citizen in 1958. Her hobbies included crocheting, knitting, and working with old jewelry. She also supports two children in need.

The Edgeley community has been truly blessed to have had this servant of Christ in their midst for the past 54 years. Sr. Madeleine had a vital role in generously supporting, encouraging, and comforting the sick and needy.

Sister Madeleine is survived by 3 sisters, Rosaleen (Thomas) Brennan, Patricia (Patrick) Connery, and Madeline (Ramon) Ormachea; and many, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

Eucharist of Christian Burial: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 5, 2012 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley.

Visitation - 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2012 at Manor St. Joseph, Edgeley.

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2012 at Transfiguration Catholic Church, Edgeley.

Interment: Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, Detroit, MI.

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