SINSINAWA — Sister Carmelita McDowell, OP, died July 13, 2013, at St. Dominic Villa. The funeral Mass was held in Queen of the Rosary Chapel at Sinsinawa, July 16, 2013, followed by burial in the Motherhouse Cemetery.
Sister Carmelita made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 5, 1947, and her final profession Aug. 5, 1950. She taught for 30 years and served as principal for four years and tutor for two years. Sister Carmelita served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation in various leadership positions and as support staff for 18 years. She served in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Alabama and Wyoming.
In the Diocese of Madison, Sister Carmelita taught at Edgewood High, Madison, 1947-1949; served as vicaress of the Sisters at the Motherhouse, Sinsinawa, who were members of the Western Province, 1985-1989; and ministered in the Development Office as support staff, 1991-2000, and as a volunteer, 2000-2003.
Sister Carmelita made her first religious profession as a Sinsinawa Dominican Aug. 5, 1947, and her final profession Aug. 5, 1950. She taught for 30 years and served as principal for four years and tutor for two years. Sister Carmelita served the Sinsinawa Dominican Congregation in various leadership positions and as support staff for 18 years. She served in Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Alabama and Wyoming.
Sister Carmelita was born April 13, 1920, in Cheyenne, Wyo., the daughter of Norman and Geneva (Gillespie) McDowell. Her parents preceded her in death. She is survived by cousins and her Dominican Sisters with whom she shared life for 65 years.
Memorials may be made to the Sinsinawa Dominicans, 585 County Road Z, Sinsinawa, WI, 53824-9701 or online at www.sinsinawa.org by clicking on “Donate Now,” then “Honor and Memorial Gift.”
Repeat broadcasts of the wake and funeral for Sister Carmelita are available online at www.Sinsinawa.org/live. Click on the “on demand” tab.