Sr. Patricia Milks

                                                                               Sister Patricia Milks, CSJ

                                                                                 (Sister Mary of Lourdes)

                                                                 September 16, 1935 – September 11, 2025

                                                                            in her 73rd year of religious life

It is with gratitude for the life of Sister Patricia Milks that we share her transition into God’s heart for eternity on September 11, 2025.

Born on September 16, 1935, to Teresa (Mulcahey) and Herbert Milks (predeceased), Patricia grew up in an area of Sudbury affectionately known as “the Donovan.” The Donovan was not only a location on the map – it was a community of caring and support where all were welcomed and supported.  The Milks family who preceded Sister Patricia into heaven included Garnet (wife Mary) and Basil (wife Alice). She is survived by many nieces and nephews, Robert Milks (Helen); Mary Ann Ricker; Nancy Hanhimaki (James); Ron Milks (Marta); Bobbi Deisinger (Richard), as well as 13 great nieces and nephews and 12 great grandnieces and nephews, who cherished their Auntie Pat.

In December 1943, tragedy struck the Milks family when their father, Herbert, was killed at Frood Mine. This tragedy forged a deeper bond with her maternal grandmother and the Mulcahey clan. While grandmother Mulcahey supported the Milks family, her own daughter-in-law, Evelyn, passed away, leaving eight children, most of whom have completed their earthly journey: Rev. Harris Mulcahey; Sister Cecelia, CSJ; Robert (Rita); Lloyd (Rositta); Doreen (Michael); and Lawrence (Diana). Paddy Mulcahey, his wife Dara, and Teresa Mulcahey visited Sister Patricia shortly before her death. Together, the Milks and Mulcahey clans formed a blended family of support and faith.

Family and faith were key components of life for most families in the Donovan, and this was no exception for the Milks family. Their faith life was nurtured at Holy Trinity Church by Msgr. Henry Murphy and the Sisters of St. Joseph, who taught Patricia and her siblings at St. Aloysius, St. David’s in Sudbury, and later at St. Joseph’s College in North Bay.

In her memoir, Sister Patricia noted some of the Sisters who deeply influenced her life: Mother St. Bride, Sister St. Edward, Sister St. Rita, Sister Maris Stella, Sister Evelyn Marie, Sister Alicia, Sister Alexis, Sister Mildred Ratchford, Sister Regina (Joyce Bialek), and Sister Immaculata. Their witness helped her hear God’s whisper to devote her life to caring for children through her teaching profession.

Patricia’s teaching ministry took her to Port Arthur, Wikwemikong, Sault Ste. Marie, Fort William, Lively, and Garson, where she taught for 10 years at St. John’s School. After a sabbatical, she served briefly in parish ministry with Father Ken Donnelly, but her love for children soon drew her back to the classroom. In total, she devoted 35 years to teaching.

Sister Patricia will be remembered for her generosity of service by volunteering at Sudbury Regional Hospital (HSN), St. Joseph’s Health Centre, CWL, and in many other ways.

Reflecting on her journey, Sister Patricia wrote in her journal several years ago: “My 45 years in religious life have been very productive in many ways – very life-giving and sometimes very testing – but I would not trade this life for anything.”

Along with her immediate and extended family, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie – especially her dear friend, Sister Betty Mitchell – give thanks for Patricia’s presence in our midst. We have been blessed by her life and know she will continue to bless us from her place in the courts of heaven.

The Sisters, family, and friends will gather at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, 2025 Main Street West, North Bay, ON, on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Reception of Sister Patricia’s body will take place at 11:00 AM in the Sacred Heart Chapel. All are invited to join the congregation for lunch, followed by a wake service with sharing of memories. The Liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 4:00 PM (prayers at 3:50 PM) in the Sacred Heart Chapel, followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Sister Patricia can be made for the works of The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie   - The Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie - North Bay

                                                                                                                                    May Sister Patricia rest in peace.