Sister Mary Emily Whelan, 88, an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph, died Aug. 26, 2006, at Mount Saint Joseph, in her 67th year of religious life. She was a native of Howardstown, the daughter of the late Nicholas Leake Whelan and Mary Adalaid Boone Whelan. Her sister, Sister Dorothy Ann Whelan, who died in February 2003, was also an Ursuline Sister of Mount Saint Joseph.
An educator for 58 years, Sister Mary Emily taught at St. Charles School, Lebanon, Ky.; St. Columba School, Louisville; and St. Bernard Academy, Nebraska City, Neb.
For 41 years, she ministered at Brescia College/University in Owensboro. From 1959-89, she served as a librarian in the college library. She was administrative assistant in the counseling center from 1989 until her retirement in 2000.
“Brescia University was blessed by the long and valuable ministry of Sister Mary Emily,” Brescia president Sister Vivian Bowles reflected. “I especially appreciated the six years that she served as our administrative assistant in the Counseling Center when I was director. Sister was always a lady, a professional, an inspiring religious, and a caring friend. All of us who knew her will miss the blessing she was to our lives.”
Survivors include nieces and nephews, and the members of her religious community.
The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated August 30 at Mount Saint Joseph, with burial in the convent cemetery.
Glenn Funeral Home, Owensboro, was in charge of arrangements.