Sr. M. Florine Merchen

Sr. M. Florine MerchenSister M. Florine Merchen died December 5, 2008 at the age of 91, following a long illness.  She was living in Camilla Hall at St. Joseph Center in Tipton, Indiana at the time of her death.  Florence Christina Merchen was born February 18, 1917 to Charles William Merchen and Agnes Varnau Merchen in Tipton, Indiana.  Her parents preceded her in death as did her brother, William, and her sisters, Rose and Mary.  She is survived by her nephews, Richard (Jane) Newton and Charles Newton.Florence entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Tipton on December 28, 1932, received the habit and began her novitiate on July 2, 1933, made first vows on December 31, 1935 and her perpetual profession of vows on July 2, 1939.  Sister Florine gave her heart and soul to serving God and the Church as a Sister of St. Joseph for 76 years.Sister Florine completed Nurses Training in Kokomo in 1941 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at St. Mary of the Plains in Dodge City, Kansas in 1969.  She served for many years at the hospitals sponsored by the Congregation in both Bend, Oregon and in Kokomo, Indiana as Staff Nurse, Head Nurse, Administrator and Director of Nurses.  From 1974-1990 her gifts were valued as the Utilization Review Coordinator at St. Joseph Hospital in Kokomo.Sister Florine had great love for her family, especially her two nephews, Richard and Charles.   A quiet person, she enjoyed recalling her youthful years on the farm as times when she and her brother and sisters would help with the chores.  When she talked of her youth, her family or her nursing ministry, her eyes would sparkle and the corners of her mouth would turn into a gentle smile.  Sister Florine was a humble woman who often was a bit uncomfortable with attention focused on her.Sister Florine’s body will be welcomed home at St. Joseph Center on Tuesday, December 9, at 3:30 p.m.  A Vigil Service will be held that evening in St. Joseph Chapel at 6:00 p.m.  The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated by Father Leroy Kinnaman in the Chapel at St. Joseph Center on Wednesday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m. followed by burial in the cemetery at the Center.May Sister Florine rest in the eternal peace of Christ.