70th Jubilarian
Sister Patricia Smith, RDC (Formerly, Sr. Mary Campion)
Her infectious sense of humor, a hallmark to all who know and love Sister Patricia Smith, adds to our joy in paying tribute to Sr. Pat, who celebrates her 70th Jubilee this year! Congratulations and many blessings to our hallowed honoree!
Our Bronx-born and raised Sister attended St. Francis Xavier Elementary School, following in the footsteps of her two older siblings. When it was time for high school, she chose Preston, then a new all-girls high school in the Bronx, and there Sr. Pat first met the Sisters of the Divine Compassion.
After graduation, Sr. Pat continued her education at Good Counsel College, where in 1955, she decided to become a Sister of the Divine Compassion and was given the name Sr. Mary Campion. Sr. Pat later earned a Bachelors degree in biology at Good Counsel and in 1962, earned a Masters degree in gerontology from the College of New Rochelle. She also holds New York State Certification in general science and biology.
Sr. Pat’s ministry in elementary education spans more than 30 years. In those years, Sister taught second through eighth grade children in the Bronx at both St. Frances de Chantal and Blessed Sacrament schools. Warmly remembered as Sr. Mary Campion by her former students there as well as at Our Lady of Sorrows in White Plains, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Elmsford and St. Joseph’s in Croton Falls, Sr. Pat leaves a great legacy.
During her summers, Sr. Pat often volunteered at the Dwelling Place, a women’s shelter in Hell’s Kitchen in NY City. She was also active in Summer in the City, an Archdiocesan anti-poverty program providing enrichment opportunities for youth in neglected areas of Harlem.
Throughout her life, Sr. Pat enjoyed singing; her soaring soprano enhanced the Sisters’ choir! She was also part of the Sisters’ group that cut its very own vinyl record, still enjoyed by the RDC staff! Sr. Pat also directed a glee club at each school where she had taught.
After she retired, Sr. Pat served as the Good Counsel Senior Services Administrator and Director of Pastoral Care. In these roles, she led a committee of Sisters to provide care, company and support to our aging and infirmed Sisters. Sr. Pat also created prayer services and activities designed to further the Sisters’ spiritual and emotional wellbeing.
One of Sr. Pat’s greatest joys has been spending time with friends and her wonderful family --at the beach or at their homes throughout the country. Now in her elder years, Sr. Pat’s many devoted nieces delight in coming to visit her!
