Patricia Joan Shreenan – RIP
Volume 35 Issue 10, 11 & 12 | Posted: December 24, 2021
SHREENAN, Sister Patricia Joan, SSA (Sister Mary Reginald) 1935 – 2021. Sister Patricia died at Mount St. Mary Hospital on October 15, 2021.
Sister Patricia was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba and was the second of three children born to Louis Reginald and Emily (Coote) Shreenan. The Shreenan family moved to Victoria when Sister Patricia was in elementary school and after graduating from St. Ann’s Academy in 1953, Sister Patricia entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Ann.
She began her teaching career in 1955 and over the next eight years, Sister Patricia taught elementary grades in classrooms throughout BC, including Prince George, Kamloops, Port Alberni, and Nanaimo before becoming Principal of Queen of Angels School in Duncan. During her teaching career she earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Victoria, a Diploma in Values Education from the University of British Columbia, and a Masters in Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.
Throughout her life, Sister Patricia was a committed community person, known for her integrity and commitment to social justice. She was dedicated to her students, and she successfully integrated her learning and skills in her daily contacts with others.
Sister Patricia worked as Director of Religious Education in Nanaimo, Prince George and at Vancouver College. From 1981 to 1985, she worked as a facilitator with groups, families and individuals at the Kakawis Family Development Centre on Meares Island. Later in life, she designed and facilitated her own programs at Queenswood Centre in Victoria. She taught Enneagram Studies and directed retreats for women in AA 12 step programs. She also led a meditation circle for women, facilitated a personal growth program and provided individual spiritual direction.
Sister Patricia is survived by members of her Religious Community, her sister-in-law Ellen Shreenan, her niece Lori Shreenan and her nephew Joe Shreenan and their families, as well as her relatives Joanne Weir and Colleen Kirkham. She is predeceased by her parents, Reg and Emily Shreenan, her sister Betty Lou, and her brother Louis. The Sisters of St. Ann greatly appreciate the staff at Mount St. Mary Hospital for their excellent and loving care. A Mass of Christian Burial was held at Holy Cross Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road, Victoria, BC at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 22, 2021. To offer condolences or obtain livestream details, please visit www.sandsvictoria.ca.