Sister Ann Weller, Csj

Sister Ann Weller, CSJ, age 84, formerly known as Sister Ann Patrick, died quite suddenly and very peacefully on Friday, February 17, 2012 in Camilla Hall at St. Joseph Center in Tipton, Indiana. Patricia Ann Weller was born in Miami, Florida on September 5, 1927 to Garl Washington Weller and Anne Margaret (Bailey) Weller. She is survived by a sister, Jeanne (Leon) Bendit of South Bend; sister-in-laws Helen Weller, Dian Weller, Marina Weller, many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Her parents, brothers Stephen Weller, Paul Weller and William Weller all preceded her in death.

Ann’s mother died soon after the last of her five children was born, and of necessity, Ann and her siblings were raised in the homes of various relatives. Even though separated from one another the family saw to it that the children kept in close contact as much as possible. Ann and her brother, Bill, were raised in Elwood by their aunt Mildred Bailey and her dear friend, Bede Beldauf. Patricia attended St. Joseph’s School in Elwood and graduated from Elwood High School. Following graduation she was employed by the telegraph office in Elwood, delivering telegrams on her bicycle.

Patricia Ann entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Tipton on September 1, 1946, and upon receiving the habit, was given the name Sister Ann Patrick. She professed her final vows on July 2, 1952. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and Music from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, a Master of Science Degree in Music and Physical Education from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, and a Master of Arts Degree in Religious Education was received at St. Meinrad’s School of Theology in St. Meinrad, Indiana. A marvelous teacher, Sister Ann endeared herself to students at St. John’s School in Tipton; St. Paul’s and Bennett High School in Marion, and St. Joseph Academy in Tipton. She served as Religious Education Coordinator at St. Joseph Parish in Elwood and also in the Office of Pastoral Councils for the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana.

In 1982 Sister Ann established the Neighbor House in Kokomo, where she tutored both children and adults and ministered to families in the area. Always a champion for the poor and underprivileged, Ann worked very closely with the Kokomo-Center Township School Corporation and was instrumental in seeing that young pregnant women were allowed to continue their high school education. She also provided needed transportation and encouraged young men and women to pursue their studies at Indiana University Kokomo, Ivy Tech, and various trade schools. Sister Ann also served on the Leadership Council for the Sisters in Tipton.

In 1990 Sister Ann responded with enthusiasm to a request from Bishop Higi of the Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana to co-sponsor, with the diocese, an outreach program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She was instrumental in establishing Hospice St. Joseph and, as its co-director, ministered among the Haitian people with great love and zeal. Often finding herself in the midst of civil unrest and danger, Ann never wavered from commitment to those she served, regardless of the personal cost to herself. In 2002, diminishing health necessitated her return to her Sisters at St. Joseph Center in Tipton, where she continued to reach out to sisters, residents and staff with her cheerful and life-giving presence. Throughout her life she advocated for the poor and disadvantaged of the world.

Visitation for Sister Ann Weller will be at St. Joseph Center in Tipton on Wednesday, February 22 beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service of Remembrance at 6:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, February 23 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation an hour before the Mass with Bishop William Higi officiating and Father Patrick Keith Hosey as homilist. Burial will be in the Cemetery at St. Joseph Center following the Mass. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

May Sister Ann now rest in the peace and love of the God whom she knew and served so well.