Theresa Evelyn Papagni

(Theresa Evelyn Papagni)

Sister Carmella Marie entered the Congregation from Fresno, California on July 29th, 1943.

Theresa arrived at Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana, over 77 years ago to become a Sister of the Holy Cross. Her pastor in Fresno, California, knew her Mother Rose Zena Papagni. Rev. Collins, Pastor at St. Alphonsus Church considered Theresa a good candidate for the convent because she had “a solid piety and docile personality.” Theresa received the name Sister Carmella Marie and was known thereafter by that name. The pastor was mistaken thinking that docility was required to persevere as a consecrated woman, but she did have a solid spirituality. He prayed she would “render long and loving service, for God and the Church, in the active apostolate” of the Holy Cross order. And that she did.

Sister Carmella Marie, was educated by the diocesan religious order of Sisters of the Holy Cross. She graduated from St. John's High School in Fresno in 1943. She was attracted to the order at 19 years old because she did not want to be limited to Fresno. It was said “Theresa did not want to be hemmed in. She wanted to be free to go anywhere.”

Sister Carmella Marie served in Catholic elementary education as a teacher for 30 academic years (1944 to 1974). The Sisters of the Holy Cross, with its expansive geographic reach, missioned Sister Carmella Marie to schools in Utah, Idaho and California. Her world of the classroom began as third grade teacher at Holy Rosary School in Boise Idaho, and culminated when it was necessary to leave the order in 1974 to help care for her Mother Rose Zena Papagni. In 1976 she took a position with St. Agnes Hospital, (St. Agnes Medical Center) in Fresno for several years until her retirement in 1994.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Peter Papagni and Rose Zena Papagni, of Fresno and her Sister Josephine Cocola of Carmel, CA.

She is survived by her Sister, Bettina (Betty) Papagni of Fresno, Nephew Gary M. Cocola and his Wife, Juliana, Niece Marlene Mosesian and her Husband Armen, and Niece Carol Covert and her Husband Ron. She is also survived by her Grand Nephew, Kevin Mosesian and his Wife Natalie, and Great Grand Nieces Ashley Mosesian and Presley Mosesian. She is further survived by her Grand Nephew Shawn Covert and his companion Sandra Villarreal.

On behalf of the Family would like to acknowledge the caregivers for how much they loved and cared for Theresa. Thank you Samira Sharhan, Lorrie Hernandez, and Cyndy Reveles.

Burial services are private at St. Peter's Cemetery.

When Sister Carmella Marie died she transcended all limits and is enjoying the freedom of risen life.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sister’s name (Theresa Papagni) to St. Agnes Medical Center, 1303 E. Herndon Ave., Fresno, CA. 93720

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whitehurstsullivan.com for the Papagni family.