Sister Paula Gonzalez

Gonzalez, Sister Paula S.C.



Sister Paula Gonzalez passed peacefully July 31, 2016 at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity in Cincinnati, Ohio. She is survived by her brother, Hilario (Larry) Gonzalez; five of her six nieces and nephews and nine grandnieces and grandnephews.

Born Maria Regina to Hilario and Emilia (Sanchez) Gonzalez, S. Paula was educated at St. Vincent Academy in Albuuquerque. After receiving her undergraduate degree in biology from the College of Mount St. Joseph in Cincinnati, she came home to teach at the Regina School of Nursing in Albuquerque She then returned to Cincinnati to join the Sisters of Charity in 1954. She continued her lifelong ministry as an educator while earning her masters and Ph.D. degrees at the Catholic University of America. She taught at Seton High School and then at the College of Mount St. Joseph until 1980.

In 1980 she shifted her focus to teaching others the importance of preserving our planet through sustainable living. She presented workshops, lectures and retreats on alternative energy, "living lightly on our planet" and ecospirituality throughout the country as well as internationally. Putting words into action, she designed and built Case del Sol, a solar powered residence where she lived with fellow Sister of Charity S. Mary Bookser, as well as EarthConnection, a conference/educational center powered by geothermal and solar energy. She also cofounded Ohio Interfaith Power and Light, a social justice group that provides weatherization for the homes of the underprivileged.

A futurist, environmentalist, and educator known as "the solar sun", Sister Paula never missed an opportunity to teach about her beloved Mother Earth.



A Memorial Mass will be held for Sister Paula in Albuquerque, October 15, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 562 Atrisco Dr SW