Sr. Mary St. Paul Czaporowski

Sister Mary St. Paul Czaporowski died on June 21, 2017 at Rosary Care Center in Sylvania, Ohio.  Sister Mary St. Paul, the daughter of Chester and Stella Czaporowski, came to the convent from St. Hedwig Parish in Toledo, Ohio.  She made her first profession of religious vows in 1943 and her final vows in 1946.

Sister Mary St. Paul’s almost 75 years in religious life were years full of a variety of ministries to the People of God.  She held B.A. and M.A. degrees in education from the former Mary Manse College in Toledo, Ohio, which prepared her to teach in and administer elementary schools in Ohio and Michigan.  She was principal/teacher for a while and then became a full time principal for seven more years.  She held the position of Juniorate Director as she helped prepare the younger Sisters for their final vows.  Sister was elected to the General Council of the community and served two terms in this leadership position.  After a sabbatical year, she and her dear friend, Sister Jane Katafias, became the resident managers of a diocesan owned low income housing apartment building in Florida.  In 1994 Sister Mary St. Paul returned to the Motherhouse in Sylvania where she was Director of Purchasing for 14 years, worked in support services for four years and retired to Third Age Ministry at Our Lady of Grace Hall, an assisted living facility on the Motherhouse campus.

Sister Mary St. Paul will be missed by her Sisters in Community, her family and friends.  She was a strong and loyal friend to many Sisters and lay people.  She was a role model and mentor to Sisters who entered religious life because of her example and support.  She enjoyed life and willingly shared good times—going out for pizza and sometimes a steak, even convertible rides with her first-ever lay teacher partner.  Even though her health was failing, she was determined until the very end to join in all Community celebrations.

There will be a Welcoming Service for Sister Mary St. Paul in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis in Sylvania at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 26, followed by visitation until 8:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, June 27, beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the funeral liturgy at 4:30 p.m.  Interment will be at Porta Coeli Cemetery on the campus of the Sisters.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio.