It is with heavy hearts that the Sisters of St. Joseph announce the death of Sister Monica Kulas (Sister M. Pauline) on July 29, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay, Ontario. Sister Monica was born in Barry’s Bay, Ontario, on May 4, 1926. She and her family were members of St. Hedwig’s Parish and of the Polish Community. Her ancestors had come to Canada in the mid 1800’s, which made her a third generation descendant. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie, September 2, 1952.
Prior to entering the congregation, she began her teaching career in 1944, in a one-room school in Round Lake Centre, Round Lake, Ontario. Her role as educator brought her to North Bay where she taught at St. Joseph’s School. She then went to Windsor where she taught at St. Francis School for two years and then returned to North Bay and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, where she became known as Sister M. Pauline. Sister was a classroom teacher for a brief period of time in the elementary panel and then became principal of St. Rita’s School, North Bay. Following this, she was asked to open St. Michael’s School, Sudbury and to be principal. Sister served in Thunder Bay (Lakehead) and was principal at Corpus Christi School in Port Arthur, where she was responsible for the planning, staffing and opening of St. Ignatius School, in 1967 and served as principal. She then moved to St. Bernard’s in Port Arthur as principal and after two years, she served as principal of St. Martin’s School in Fort William. Sister Monica retired from teaching in 1981, having served in education for thirty-six years!
Sister Monica’s life took on a new focus as she participated in the planning of the 1981 Centenary Celebrations of the presence of the Sisters of St. Joseph (Toronto, Peterborough & North Bay congregations) in Thunder Bay. She then went to St. Joseph’s Heritage as Executive Director and in 1985 was appointed administrator of Avila Centre, Thunder Bay. From 1987 – 1991 Sister Monica served as Executive Director of the Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Canada and liaised with the American Federation. This was a deeply rewarding time as she worked with the six congregations.
Sister Monica returned to Sault Ste. Marie Diocese in 1991 and served in Sudbury as a volunteer in pastoral services. She then came to the motherhouse in 1992 where she served as pastoral care visitor until 2006, a time of grace and blessing.
Sister Monica is predeceased by her parents Susan Etmanksi and Peter Kulas and her brother Gregory. She is survived by her sister Agatha and brother Robert (Bobby) wife Carole, sister-in-law Grace and several loving nieces’, nephews and their families.
Sister Monica will be remembered as a pioneer in education and for her love of teaching and of the students. As educator she was known for her excellence, determination, vision and fairness. Sister Monica knew how to celebrate life, family and the success of others. Her compassion and care for others during their time of struggle and grief were not left unnoticed. Her laughter was infectious and her love and fidelity to the congregation inspirational.
The body of Sister Monica will be received at the Motherhouse at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 30, 2014, a Prayer Vigil will be held in the Holy Family Chapel, 7:00 p.m., Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 31, 2014 in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Bay. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to McGuinty Funeral Home.
“May Sister Monica rest in peace.”