Sister Patrica, CSJ Haire

Sister Patricia "Pat" Haire, CSJ—known lovingly as Sister Pat, Dr. Patricia, Chaplain Pat, and Aunt Pat, —passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 97. A marathon runner, a faithful friend, and a devoted aunt, great-aunt, and great-great-aunt, she lived a life marked by prayerful service, courage, and steadfast love.

Born on September 24, 1928, in Los Angeles, California, Sister Pat was the third of five children born to Edward and Mary Haire. She grew up in Los Angeles and attended St. Anselm School and Bishop Conaty High School. It was during these formative years that she met the Sisters of St. Joseph—a meeting that would shape the course of her life. In March 1947, she entered the community and received the habit as a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Most of Sister Pat's ministerial life was devoted to education. She taught students across all grade levels in numerous elementary schools and generously shared her talents in music through piano, violin, choir instruction, and classroom teaching. Her passion for learning never waned; later in life she earned a PhD in Psychology and became a licensed psychologist and counselor. Under the name Patricia A. Haire, PhD, BCFM, she served for over a decade at Kohut Psychiatric Medical Group providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. Along with marriage and family counseling.

Sister Pat's heart for mission extended far beyond the classroom or clinic. She volunteered in Gulu, Uganda, offering counseling to children and teenagers affected by trauma. Upon returning to California, she was missioned to San Bernardino where her ministry focused on counseling and chaplaincy—roles that became central to her vocation.

From 2002 until her retirement in 2022 due to health reasons, Sister Pat served faithfully as Chaplain to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Known affectionately as "the Flying Nun," she often responded to calls via helicopter—an experience she recalled with joy and pride. Her dedication earned her deep respect among those she served alongside. From 2011 through 2022, she was also an active member of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Medical Reserve Corps. Always eager to serve—even into her nineties—she took the Sheriff's driving class at age 90. In recognition of her unwavering commitment to public service, she received the Chief Patrick Crowe Public Servant Award from the Diocese of San Bernardino in 2019.

Sister Pat's spirit of endurance extended beyond ministry into physical feats: she was an avid marathon runner who completed many races—even one after undergoing hip replacement surgery—I run with intention for vocations.

Following her retirement from San Bernardino County service, Sister Pat moved into the assisted-living community at St. John of God. There she continued to form meaningful relationships and remained fully present to those around her despite increasing health challenges and vision loss. Her days were filled with kindness, prayerful attention to others, and quiet acts of love.

Sister Pat was predeceased by her siblings Mary, Edward, James, and Thomas Haire. She cherished her role as aunt across generations—loving deeply as Aunt Pat to nieces and nephews; great-aunt to their children; and great-great-aunt to those who followed.

In her final days at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, Sister Pat was surrounded by love—both physically and virtually—from nieces and nephews, dear friends, fellow Sisters from St. Joseph of Carondelet and St. John of God communities. Messages of prayer and song poured in from across distances—including heartfelt singing from children and her great-great-grandniece—offering comfort at the time of her passing.

We join the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in praying for the eternal rest of Sister Patricia Haire, CSJ. Now her long race is complete. At the end of her marathon journey on earth, she ran into the arms of Jesus—her beloved Spouse—and into the embrace of our Sweet Holy Mother Mary and St. Joseph. Welcomed by family who had gone before her at Heaven's finish line.

She will be deeply missed by all whose lives she touched with wisdom, compassion, humor, and grace—but we are comforted knowing that she continues to intercede for us from Heaven.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.

Remembrance Zoom Service-Tuesday, February 17, 2026 @ 2:00PM. Meeting ID 742-160-5345, Passcode 11999. Funeral Liturgy will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, @ 10:30 AM at St Joseph's Chapel (Carondelet Center Chapel) 11999 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049. Livestream CSJLA channel on IBM video (csjla) Lunch will be served (following the liturgy). In the Main Dining Room at the Carondelet Center. Interment Thursday, February 19,2026 @1:30 PM Location: Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Avenue, Culver City, CA 90230. Section FF