Phyllis Ann Dullea, SCN, 95, was born in Boston, Massachusetts. She died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, on Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018. She was a professed Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 76 years.
Sister Phyllis served in educational ministries in Kentucky, Arkansas, and Massachusetts. She first began teaching in 1942, and during her decades of teaching, she was a music teacher, an elementary school teacher, and a principal. In Kentucky, she taught at St. Joseph School in Bowling Green, and St. Catherine Academy in Lexington. In Massachusetts, she was in ministry at St. Anne School, Readville; St. Raphael, Hyde Park; Nazareth, South Boston; St. Ann’s, Wollaston; St. Thomas More, Braintree; Fiefield Fifield School, Dorchester; Abe Lincoln School, Quincy; Gate of Heaven School, South Boston; St. Brigid School, South Boston; and Sacred Heart School, Quincy.
At the Motherhouse in Nazareth, Kentucky, Sister Phyllis was in ministry at Nazareth Arts for Life, in Community Service, and at the receptionist desk.
She is survived by her nieces and nephews and their families, and by her religious community.
A wake will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Nazareth.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church. Burial will be in Nazareth Cemetery.
Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Ratterman Funeral Home, 3800 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky. Memorials may be offered to Office of Mission Advancement, P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, Kentucky, 40048.
My sister, brothers, cousins and I are saddened by the death of our Aunt Phyllis. She is the last of the South Boston Dullea’s (James, Daniel, and Eleanor Rynne), and the legendary Sisters Dullea, SCN! (Sr. Ellen Jane, Sr. Julia, and Sr. Mary). We saw a lot of her growing up in Milton and Weymouth and were impressed by her musical talent, her wicked sense of humor, and her wonderful way with children. She was always calm and never excited, even in the presence of the eight of us! We could be a trial at times.
We are heartbroken that none of us will be able to get to Kentucky for her services, but know that we will be there in spirit. Phyllis always said that she told Mary to “keep her foot in the door” so she could get in, and I’m sure they are all enjoying each other again.
Thank you to Sr. Barbara and Sr. Peggy for looking out for her, and to all the SCN’s for their loving care.
One final blessing: As Phyllis was passing away, a new great-nephew was being born at the same time in San Antonio, Texas!
With love and gratitude: Eleanor Rynne Moring, Patricia Dullea Lanyi, Edward M. Rynne, Frances Rynne Matzdorff (dec), Michelle Dullea-Toronto, Jeanne Rynne Sovereign (dec), Daniel T. Rynne, Clare Rynne Ladd
I knew Sister Phyllis for many years. She and her sister, Sister Mary worked for me as exam proctors under Civil Service. She and her three sisters were great ladies and now they are all together again in Heaven may our kind and gracious god grant them all Eternal Rest. Prayers for Sister Phyllis and her family.