Remebering Sister Anne Paul Clare, CSJ

October 29, 1945—August 30, 2025

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Anne Paul Clare, who passed away on August 30, 2025, at St. John of God Care Center in Los Angeles.

Born Patricia Anne Clare in San Francisco to George Clare and Alice Agnes Dickson, “Patsy” joined her older sister, Maryalice, to complete the family.

Her father, however, died when Patsy was about four and a half years old. He suddenly had a heart attack at home on July 4, on the couple’s wedding anniversary. This loss greatly impacted the family. The now single mother moved the family in with her mother. Mrs. Clare was attentive and loving while working full-time as a nurse. Their grandmother now looked after the two girls.

Maryalice and Patsy were enrolled at Star of the Sea School throughout their elementary and high school years. Mrs. Clare had prevailed on the pastor after being refused enrollment by the principal. She said, “I am a single parent and would really appreciate the sisters’ help in raising my girls. I know there are 100 first graders, but I’m desperate.” The pastor answered, “Well, now there are 101.”

Patsy recalled special teachers: Sister Joseph Mary in first grade, and in second grade, Sister Helen Louise. Patsy went home and described Sister Helen Louise as “a pretty nun from heaven.” When it came time to make her First Communion, Patsy was encouraged by her mother to receive in her home parish. To her surprise and delight, Sister Joseph Mary and Sister Helen Louise attended the Mass and brought a special gift for her. She recalled, “The sisters were very loving and fun.” In junior high school, she participated in sports. She shared, “Sister Patricia Margaret was very funny. She told us it was ‘SS’ on the volleyball court.” Later, after entering, Patsy learned “SS” meant “strict silence.” In high school, Patsy enjoyed the humor and gentle, kind manner of Sister Charlene Munana in shorthand and typing classes. In general, Patsy recalled, “The sisters were young and happy. They went to our games, laughed a lot, and were welcoming.”

As she grew up, Patsy became very close to her aunt, uncle and cousins. “My grandmother was the heart of the family. Cousins Allan and Bruce were special to me over the years.”

Having experienced the joy of the sisters, Patsy entered religious life on September 8, 1963. She received the habit and religious name Sister Anne Paul on August 6, 1964. She made her first vows on August 6, 1966, and pronounced final vows at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Canoga Park (a neighborhood of Los Angeles) on July 24, 1971. In 2024, she celebrated her 60th jubilee.

Sister Anne Paul received her bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mount Saint Mary’s College in 1969, and later a standard teaching credential. In 1993, she was awarded a master of arts degree in education from the University of San Francisco.

A very balanced and wise professional, when she completed a ministry assignment as a principal, she took a year to return to the classroom in order to better understand the needs of the teachers. She had no favorite mission, but said, “I enjoyed and loved teaching the primary grades. At Transfiguration [School], there was a lot of activity, and many children were being raised by their grandparents, who insisted they behave and attend Sunday Mass. The children had a holy respect for their grandparents.”

Sister Anne Paul said it was a privilege to educate children and enjoyed working with parents and teachers in helping each child to grow in self-confidence and develop their God-given talents. She had a deep belief that when home, school and parish work together, anything is possible.

Those who knew Sister Anne Paul acknowledge her great passion for people, her warmth and humor, and her commitment to education and faith development.

On December 26, 2015, Anne Paul suddenly suffered heart issues and underwent open-heart surgery. She said, “The ER doctor was a heart specialist, or I would have died.” From that time on, she had to deal with a “new normal” in her life. While in the ICU, with a trach in her throat, she learned from her dear friend, Andi Stafford, that her sister, Maryalice, had suddenly died. Anne Paul said, “It was a blessing she died quickly. She led a good life and didn’t have to suffer from her pancreatic cancer. I missed the funeral, but I know many grateful students and parents attended, and she had a wonderful send-off. Even the priest, a personal friend of Maryalice’s, came from a distance.”

Regarding her own health changes, Anne Paul said, “My sudden illness turned my life upside down; I had never been in the hospital before. A verse from Scripture came to me in the ICU and calmed me every time I recalled it, ‘I go before you, and am always with you.'”

She brought joy and laughter to Carondelet Center when she came for rehabilitation. After a few months at home, she realized she needed the extra support that was available at Carondelet Center and returned to become a member of the Holy Family Community on February 5, 2018.

Four years later, on January 20, 2022, Sister Anne Paul transitioned to St. John of God Retirement Center as a permanent resident. There, she spent many hours deepening her relationship with God and helping form community among the sisters.

Anne Paul was a woman of prayer and deep faith. She was described as an excellent teacher and principal, and as a lovely community member who enjoyed community and enriched it. No doubt her early memories of the joyful sisters influenced her spirituality and interactions with the “dearest neighbor.” She well recalled the many loving deeds of the Lord and offered a grateful and generous heart back to God.

Anne Paul’s wish for everyone was, “May there always be an angel by your side.”

A funeral liturgy for Sister Anne Paul will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Chapel at Carondelet Center. She will be buried with her parents in Colma , California, at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Los Angeles Province, 11999 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049 or donate online.

May she rest in peace.