Sr. Patricia A. Newell

Newell RSM, Sister Patricia (formerly Sister Mary Redempta) died at the Teresian House in Albany Thursday, July 4, 2024. Born in Albany, New York, Pat was the daughter of the late Ann Biagiotti and Edward F. Newell. Over the years, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from the College of St. Rose, Albany; a master’s degree in Earth Science from Union College, Schenectady, with a concentration in teaching Earth Science; an associate degree from Maria College, Albany, with a major in Nursing; and certification as a Nurse Practitioner from Syracuse Upstate Medical Center. 

Sister Pat began active ministry in a classroom, a setting where she was very much at home. She taught at St. Patrick’s, Blessed Sacrament, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Joseph’s and Vincentian Elementary Schools, all in Albany, and at Catholic Central High School, Troy, where she made Earth Science and Physical Science come alive. Students were pleased that, in addition to being an excellent teacher, Sister Patricia made learning enjoyable while also taking an interest in what was happening in their lives. 

Following in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, Sister Patricia transitioned smoothly from teaching to caring for the sick, including persons suffering from addictions. Over a long career, she shared her skills as a Nurse Practitioner in various settings, including Supervisor, St. Peter’s South End Clinic and Community Health Center; Coordinator of Healthcare in the infirmary of the Sisters of Mercy, Albany; Seton Health System and Eden Park Nursing Home, East Greenbush. She was a welcome addition to the staffs of St. Mary’s Hospital, Troy; Leonard Hospital, detox/rehab; and St. Peter’s Alcohol Rehabilitation Center (SPARC). 

Sister Patricia displayed an overarching commitment to the poor. She carved out a special place in her heart for those for whom poverty was a daily reality as well as for persons battling addictions. She was adept at challenging with love while respecting each person’s readiness to recognize and confront his or her addictive behaviors. When persons arrived at a point where they were ready to accept help, she was there to engage, support, challenge and encourage. Sister Pat served on the Board of the Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and was well known and respected in the healthcare community. 

The motto Sister Patricia chose to have engraved in the simple silver ring she received at her final profession as a Sister of Mercy was “Passion of Christ, strengthen me”. She treasured her relationship with Jesus and saw the face of Christ in those to whom she ministered. In the Mercy tradition, she displayed a preferential love for the poor. Her eyes lit up when speaking about taking a man shopping for new clothes for a special occasion, perhaps his first “real”outfit.

Sister Patricia could fix almost anything, and when she couldn’t, she knew whom to consult. She assumed responsibility for the smooth running and upkeep of Mercy Villa, the Sisters of Mercy camp on Crooked Lake. Pat was equally at home with kitchen utensils and garden tools and moved easily from one setting to another. A strong swimmer, she enjoyed getting some exercise in Crooked Lake…..although as often as not she was sighted floating lazily in the water, mimicking sleep. Sister Patricia was gifted with a beautiful singing voice, rich and mellow. She enjoyed sharing this gift at community liturgies, and the congregation became a bit more attentive when they saw her approach a microphone with her guitar. 

In addition to her parents, Sister Pat was predeceased by her beloved brother Edward Newell Jr. and her sister-in-law Patricia. She is survived by four nieces, one nephew, several grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandnieces and great grandnephews as well as by her religious community, the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Associates, and by her dear friend, Sister Mary Lou Delaney CSJ. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the reception of Sister’s body on Tuesday, July 9 at, 4:00 p.m. at the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany; a service of remembrance at 6:30 p.m.; and the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 10. Interment will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush. The Sisters of Mercy are grateful to the staff of the Teresian House for the great tenderness with which they cared for our Sister. Those wishing to make a contribution in Sister Patricia’s memory may do so to the Sisters of Mercy, 634 New Scotland Avenue, Albany, New York 12208.