Sister Mary Charlene Stephan

Doris Mary Stephan was born to Charles Edward Stephan and Teresa Agnes Schulz Stephan, in Walnut, Kansas, on February 19, 1921. Sister was the second child of seven children. Her siblings included her brothers: Vincent, Charles Jr., Joseph, James, and sisters: Alice and Eileen. Sister's appreciation for the joys of her large family, neighbors and the experience of farm life were endeared memories. Her gratitude included the beauty of the earth, the gifts of water and nature which resulted in her exquisite gardens of plants, flowers and vegetables. She experienced her earliest education at Olive School, a one room school house that was 4 miles from the nearest town, Walnut. She attended high school at Mercy High School in Fort Scott, Kansas. Sister received a B.A. in Biology at Mt. St. Scholastica in Atchison, Kansas, a M.S. in Administration at St. Mary College in Leavenworth, Kansas. Sister attended School of Nursing at St. John's Hospital in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Sister received her Associates degree in Nursing at Mercy Jr. College in Frontenac, Missouri. Sister Charlene entered the Sisters of Mercy on July 19, 1937 at Fort Scott, Kansas and made her profession of religious vows on August 16, 1943. In 1940 she began her teaching career at the first established Sisters of Mercy Mission at St. Mary's Academy in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma where she taught mostly Native American children. Further teaching was at Sacred Heart, Oklahoma City, OK; St. Benedict's, Shawnee, OK; Christ the King, St. Louis, MO; Mercy College, Frontenac, MO; St. Joseph's, Slaton, TX; St. Patrick's School, Walnut, KS; Sacred Heart, Fredonia, KS; Mount St. Mary's High, Little Rock, AR. Sister fulfilled another dream as she began her nursing career in 1970 and ministered at Mercy Regional Medical Center, Vicksburg, MS; Mercy Hospital, New Orleans, LA; and Mercy Health Center, Fort Scott, KS. The highlight of her nursing experience was becoming an Enterostomal Therapist through Home Health of rural Kansas.Following her retirement in 2004, Sister furthered her interest in education and the health ministry at Mercy Health Center Convent in Oklahoma City. Her many talents included needle point, knitting, quilting, crocheting and embroidery. Many of these crafts were distributed to Mercy Nursery babies, Pro Life, and senior home patients. Her time of retirement was very active and her faithful ministry of prayer was most evident. Throughout her life Sister loved her family, community members and co-workers. Her intellectual gifts and wit added joy to all.She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Vincent, Charles Jr., Joseph, James, and Alice. Immediate survivors include her sister Eileen Otto, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, Sisters of Mercy, co-workers, friends, former students, Mercy Associates, compassionate physicians and caregivers.Memorials may be extended for Masses, charity of choice and Mount St. Mary's High School, 2801 S. Shartel Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109-2238.