WHELLY, SISTER ZETTA GERTRUDE (SISTER M. COLUMCILLE) - The death of Sister Zetta Gertrude Whelly (Sister M. Columcille) of Saint John, New Brunswick, occurred on Sunday December 14, 2014 at Ruth Ross Residence. Sister Zetta Whelly was born in Saint John, New Brunswick and was a daughter of the late James Joseph and Elizabeth Anne (White) Whelly. After graduation from St. Vincent’s Girls High School, she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception on September 8, 1934. She received her NB Teacher’s License in 1938. Her teaching ministry of forty-five years took her to the Tobique Indian Reserve, Johnville, Moncton, nineteen years in Farrellton, Quebec, Low, Quebec and finally to St. Vincent’s Girls High School where she retired in 1983. Sister Zetta received her Certificate of Studies in the French Language from Laval University in 1965 and her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UNB in 1944. She also taught French in summer school sessions in Moncton and Fredericton. After retiring in 1983, Sister studied in Vancouver and received her Certificate as a Library Technician. Returning to Saint John in 1985 she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Library. She also served every Sunday morning at Romero House and was active in many Catholic social justice issues. Sister Zetta currently resided at Ruth Ross Residence in Saint John, N.B. She was the last surviving member of her family. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her sisters; Mary Whelly (infant), Margaret Whelly (infant), Mrs Elizabeth Desmond, Mrs. Constance Murphy, brothers; Mr. James Whelly, Father John Whelly, CSC, Mr. Arthur Whelly, Mr. George Whelly (infant), Mr. Frank Whelly (infant), Mr. Charles Whelly and Father Joseph Whelly, Saint John Diocese. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Resting at Ruth Ross Residence with visiting on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm, with a Prayer Vigil at 7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 10:00am. Interment will take place in the Sisters of Charity plot in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo Street, Saint John (634-1965). www.fitzpatrickfh.com