Sr. Blandine was born Ellen Mary Fleming, daughter of Michael Fleming and Hanora Morley Fleming in Cullen, County Cork, Ireland. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Houston, TX on August 18, 1948, at St. Michael Convent, County Clare, Ireland. Her religious formation continued at Villa de Matel in Houston on April 1, 1949. Sister consecrated her life to God through Perpetual Profession of Vows on August 15, 1956.
During her early years after receiving a college degree, Sr. Blandine ministered as a Medical Records Director for 11 years in three Beaumont, TX hospitals: Hotel Dieu, St. Therese, and St. Elizabeth. Upon completion of graduate studies, Sister held the position of Assistant Administrator in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Beaumont. With God's grace, Sr. Blandine was appointed the Administrator of St. Francis Hospital, Tulsa, OK, for 24 years. During these times, Sister realized that the ministry of health care was an extension of Christ's healing and redemptive mission to all. After many years in the active apostolate of service, Sr. Blandine took a year's sabbatical. With her energies renewed, she was appointed Associate in Philanthropy and Community Affairs at St. Bernardine Hospital, San Bernardino, CA for eight years. In 2006, she became a Patient Visitor at CHRISTUS Schumpert Medical Center, Shreveport, LA. Throughout her religious life, Sr. Blandine was most appreciative to God for her religious vocation and was deeply thankful to the Sisters as she continued to say daily in word and deed, "Praised be the Incarnate Word forever. Amen."
Sr. Blandine was preceded in death by her sister, Mrs. Mary Buckley; her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. David and Mrs. Kitty Fleming; her brother and sister in-law, Mr. Johnny and Mrs. Hannah Mary Fleming; her brother and sister-in-law, Mr. Patrick Joseph and Mrs. Nora Fleming; and her sister, Christina. She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Abina M. Baker of West Virginia and her brother, Michael Fleming; three cousins residing in the United States, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sister was ever grateful to God for the blessings that were her family, friends, and ministry associates. A very special thank you is extended to the staff at St. Placidus Convent, who gave loving and compassionate care to Sr. Blandine during her last illness.
Sister's body will be received at the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Villa de Matel, 6510 Lawndale St, Houston, TX at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2016, followed by Evening Praise and a celebration of her life. Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Villa de Matel at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 22, 2016. Rite of Committal will follow at Villa de Matel Cemetery.
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