Sr. Patricia Aseltyne, IHM

Sister Patricia Aseltyne, IHM, age 97, died Saturday, Sept. 7, at her home, the IHM Senior Living Community.

Sister Patricia was born in Detroit on July 25, 1927, to Arthur and Kathlyn (Burke) Aseltyne. She entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (Monroe) in July 1945 from her home parish of St. Mary of Redford after graduation from St. Mary of Redford High School. She received the religious name Sister Helen Mary. Patricia’s older sister, Helen, entered one year prior and received the religious name Sister Ann Arthur.

Upon completing studies at Marygrove College and the University of Detroit, Sister Helen Mary was assigned to Gesu, St. Cecilia and St. Rose in Detroit; Sacred Heart, Dearborn; St. John, St. Michael and Hall of the Divine Child, Monroe; St. John, Jackson; and Our Lady of Lourdes, River Rouge. Over 10 years, she gained wide experience in all elementary education subjects and young students' minds. She was appointed principal at Our Lady of Lourdes and at St. Philip, Battle Creek. Her teaching ministry continued at St. Felicitas, Chicago, with principalships there and at St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland, St. Michael, Monroe, and almost 10 years at St. Paul School, Grand Rapids.

In 1990, Sister Pat, as she was known, took positions to support Congregational Leadership located at the Motherhouse on Monroe Campus. Sister Pat became a favorite of Sisters and staff on campus, always ready to help and to share a smile.

Sister Pat joined the staff of Casa de Esperanza in Houston, Texas in 1994. This became a longtime ministry of love as a caregiver for infants afflicted with AIDS. She deeply loved this ministry and eventually served as the Aftercare Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator for the Casa.

In 2013, she returned to the Motherhouse and served in many capacities for the internal community. Sister Pat was active in liturgy and had many friendships with residents and staff. Only recently did her health decline, which led to hospice care.

Sister Patricia is survived by nieces and nephews and her IHM Sisters in community. Her sister Ann Arthur, IHM and brothers Arthur and William preceded her.

Services will be held at the IHM Motherhouse Chapel, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, Thursday, Sept. 12. Welcoming of the body begins at 9 a.m., followed by a Remembering and Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Streaming begins at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162-7909.