Sister Shaun Patrick Mulligan

Sister Shaun Patrick Mulligan, RSM, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 at the Sisters Residence, Mercy Center, Dallas.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Sister Shaun Patrick was the daughter of John J. and Leona Stapleton Mulligan.

She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1956, and professed her perpetual vows in 1964.

Sr. Shaun Patrick lived her life dedicated to God and service to the people of God through Mercy for 68 years.

A graduate of College Misericordia with a degree in music education, Sister Shaun Patrick served in schools within the dioceses of Scranton, Altoona-Johnstown, Rockville Center, N.Y. and Brooklyn, N.Y. Following receipt of her Master of Arts degree in music from DePaul University, Chicago, Sr. Shaun Patrick ministered for more than twenty-five years as a parish music minister. In her later years, Sister shared her musical talents with her Sisters at Mercy Center, Dallas. On those special occasions when Sister would offer an organ recital, the pews were full of enthusiastic admirers.

When Sr. Shaun Patrick eventually came to reside at Mercy Center, she brought with her the childhood piano that once graced her family home in Wilkes-Barre. She could sometimes be found lost in her memories while lovingly running her fingers across the keys of this cherished instrument. Sr. Shaun Patrick loved celebrations of all kinds, and was her happiest on St. Patrick's Day when she attended Mass dressed all in green and sporting a jaunty Tartan plaid "tam o' shanter." She wore the same outfit to cheer on the Notre Dame football team, and delighted in every season they played.

As a Sister of Mercy, Sr. Shaun Patrick seemed to intuitively grasp the essence of Pope Francis' recent coinage of the gerund "mercying." This resilient woman lived her life "mercying": whether she was in a classroom in Bayside, N.Y., a high-rise in Wilkes-Barre's "Project Remain," or leading a parish choir in Scranton, Sr. Shaun Patrick went about the sacred mission of "mercying." Her unique gift to all of us was her special talent of leading people to experience God's Mercy through the music she loved.

Sister Shaun Patrick was predeceased by her parents, Leona and John; sisters Sister Leonita Mulligan, RSM, and Eileen Mulligan; and brothers, Leo and Charles Mulligan.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, and many friends among the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates and throughout the Wilkes-Barre area.

The Sisters of Mercy wish to thank the wonderful staff at the Sisters Residence in Mercy Center, who generously cared for Sister Shaun Patrick for many years and the Hospice of the Sacred Heart staff for making her journey Home as comfortable as possible.

The celebration of Sr. Shaun Patrick Mulligan's life on Tuesday will begin with visitation from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., followed with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Mercy Center, Dallas.

Burial will follow immediately after at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Calverton.

Memorial contributions in Sister Shaun Patrick's name may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, P.O. Box 370, Dallas PA 18612, or the charity of your choice.