Ellen Paul McGovern, SCN, 86, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, died at Nazareth Home, on Thursday, February 2, 2017. Sister had been a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 60 years.
Sister Ellen Paul served in education ministries in Kentucky, Maryland, and Massachusetts. She taught at St. Cecilia School in Louisville. Sister Ellen Paul served in SCN leadership as an associate regional in Quincy, Massachusetts. She also served at several parishes in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, Sister Ellen Paul volunteered at St. Patrick School and at the Haitian Multi-Service Center.
Sister is survived by her nieces, Ellen and Lorraine Higginbottom of Massachusetts; and by her religious community.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Vincent Church, Nazareth, Kentucky at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 7, followed by burial in Nazareth Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Nazareth Home on Monday, February 6 and after 4:00 p.m. in St. Vincent Church, Nazareth, Kentucky. There will be a Prayer Service in St. Vincent Church at 6:30 p.m. Monday evening.
Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Ratterman Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky. Memorials may be made to Office of Mission Advancement, P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048.
—
I only recently learned that Sister Ellen Paul had passed. She remains the finest educator who ever taught me. She was my 6th grade teacher at MPB in Hyde Park. She loved her boys and felt right at home whether teaching math or playing baseball with us on school outings. She would set up her class as a guiz show. Students would work in groups of six and compete with one another. It taught us to work as a team and to recognize the individual talents in all of us. I am now 62 and there are key points in life that remain with you throughout life. Her 6th grade class is one of those points. RIP in the arms of God, Sister. I am a better man for having been your student all those years ago.
I just recently read of the passing of Sr. Ellen Paul, my 7th grade teacher at MPB school, in Hyde Park, MA. I believe the academic year was 1963-64. I have very fond memories of that year with her. In addition to being a great teacher she also laughed a lot and was never intimidating which made her very approachable. With 50 boys in the class all of this was quite an achievement and she handled it professionally and always with a firm kindness. I am sure she is now resting in peace with the Lord! Prayers and comfort to all her close friends and SCN community.
(Fr.) John Wojciechowski (now Szamreta).
Dear Sister Ellen, how sad I am to have heard of your passing.. Fr Jack Ahern let me know today… It was a joy to sit with you at the 9 mass at Blessed Mother Teresa Parish in Dorchester..I was saddened to hear of your illness and tried many times to contact you.. I moved to North Carolina and we did keep in touch.. and then you were ill and we lost contact.. So faithful to your vocation.. I’m sure you were a blessing to many..I’m sure you were welcomed with open arms.. watch out and care for us .. Love and Hugs Agnes Magri
Thank you to the wonderful Communication team in Nazareth for making me part of Ellen Paul’s funeral liturgy. It was special. Thank you for making it possible. Jacky
Sister Ellen Paul,
You are one of the most fun loving sister i have known.Thank you for your friendship and love that i have experienced for the past 25 years. How i enjoyed your classes on the SCN Constitutions in the pool of Camp Maria in 1992 and 1993. Thank you friend.
Peace. Joy. Love. Jacky
Sister Ellen Paul, you were a true friend all my sixty-three years knowing you. We lived together on 3 Missions, Kentucky, Maryland and Massachusetts. You were dearly loved by all your students and all who came in contact with you. We had lots of fun together, got into mischief together and never had an unkind exchange of words or thoughts. Rest in Peace and I am so happy I had a chance to say goodbye to you in person.
Thank you for being a true SCN friend.
Sister Ann Susan
Much love and peace to Sister Ellen Paul. She was also a teacher and principal at Mother Catherine Spalding School in Helen Maryland in the late 1960’s and early 70’s. She was an amazing teacher and administrator.Good sense of balance and wonderful spirit Sister Ellen Paul also loved Camp Maria. I am sure that Heaven is rejoicing.
“For Boston for Boston”… I can still hear Ellen Paul singing and remember the fun and laughter she brought to any group. She surely will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
We have to remember the joy that she brought to everyone and just pass it on! When things looked grim for the “Patriots”, I said, “Come on Ellen and help us out”! They won the Super Bowl! Love you Ellen Paul!
The Flaherty Family of Brockton MA will always be grateful to our teacher and friend Sister Ellen Paul. We will carry her spirit, her laughter, and her love in our hearts. We will always remember the fun we shared on field trips, at the Wareham cottage, at Celtics games, and all things Boston! We love you Ellen. ☘
To Ellen Paul,
Thank you for your love, your guidance, and your friendship
Rest In Peace
With love,
Michael Flaherty