Providence Sister Mary Lee (Irma) Mettler, 88, died Nov. 24 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she entered the Sisters of Providence in 1951 and professed final vows in 1959.

She ministered in education, parish work and as a retreat director in Indiana, Illinois, Maryland, Texas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at St. Athanasius, Evanston (1954); and St. Mel (1959-1962).

Sister Mary Lee had many gifts which she shared generously. A woman of considerable artistic talent, she was known for her skill in photography and her beautiful and meticulous craft work. 

She is survived by a sister, Connie Rurka.

Claretian Brother Richard L. Paquette, 81, died Nov. 28 in Brookfield.

Growing up in Massachusetts, he learned about the Claretians from his mother, who had a devotion to St. Jude.

He joined the Claretians in 1959, attending St. Jude Seminary in Momence, Illinois, and completing his university studies at Indiana State University in 1964.

He served at the Claretian mission of Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Livingston, Guatemala, from 1964 to 1969 and 1984 to 1987. After returning to the United States, he served as a religion teacher and sports director of St. Ann’s Catholic Grade School, a Native American mission in North Dakota, until 1975.

He served at Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish from 2003 to 2005. He also ministered in parishes in New Jersey and Tennessee.

In 2010, he retired and became a resident of the Claretian community in Oak Park. He moved to a nursing home in Chicago in 2016 because of chronic health issues, and from there to the British Home, his final place of residence.

Providence Sister Betty (Clare Patrice) Donoghue, 83, died on Dec. 1 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Born in Massachusetts, Sister Betty entered the Sisters of Providence in 1954 and professed final vows in 1962.

She ministered as a primary teacher and in health care in Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and she was a spiritual companion to death row prisoners in the United States Penitentiary in Terre Haute.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Our Lady of Sorrows (1967-1958) and was a nurse’s aide at Norwood Park Home (1980-1981).

BVM Sister Anita (Felicity) Montavon, 82, died Dec. 2 in Dubuque, Iowa.

Born in DeKalb, Illinois, she entered the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary congregation in 1956 and professed final vows in 1964.

In Chicago, she taught at Holy Name Elementary School; worked as a librarian at Our Lady of Lourdes, Sulzer Public Library and River Forest Public Library; served in pastoral ministry at Ravenswood Hospital; and was an office manager.

Sister Anita also ministered in East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois and in Colorado, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

She is survived by her twin sister Miriam Montavon and sisters Jane Bleivik, Ruth Graves and Terese Byrne.

Deacon Gerald Zych, 78, died Nov. 10.

He was ordained in 1987 and served at St. Giles Parish, Oak Park.

In the parish, Deacon Zych Gerry presided over baptisms and pet blessings, Ash Wednesday prayer services and Lenten Stations of the Cross.

He and his wife of 52 years, Madonna, were instrumental in liturgical celebrations for the parish’s annual marriage anniversary Masses and observances of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day, as well as hospitality Sundays.

Deacon Zych is survived by his wife; his children, George and Geralanne; and two grandchildren.