Knoxville TN, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Sister Pat Soete, the last Sister of Mercy to serve in Knoxville, has passed away at 92. Her impactful life included many years in education and healthcare, particularly at St. Mary’s Hospital. A funeral service is scheduled for August 20 at Mercy Convent in Nashville, marking the end of an era for the Sisters of Mercy in the region. Her legacy as a committed community servant will be remembered by many.
Nashville – Sister Pat Soete, the last Sister of Mercy to serve in Knoxville, passed away at the age of 92. Her funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, at the Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee. The service will begin with a Welcoming of the Cremains at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Liturgy at 1 p.m. Burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Nashville.
Sister Patricia Ann Soete retired in the fall of 2020, concluding a long and impactful career in religious service. Alongside her, Sister Yvette Gillen, another Sister of Mercy who served in Knoxville, also retired in the spring of 2020. Their retirements marked the end of an era for the Sisters of Mercy in the Knoxville area.
The Sisters of Mercy first came to Knoxville in 1896 to teach at St. Mary School. They played a pivotal role in establishing St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville in 1930, where they offered medical care for over 85 years. Sister Soete served as a chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital from 1977 to 1994, working closely under Sister Marie Moore, the hospital’s president during that time. Dan McWilliams recently provided a comprehensive reflection on the contributions of Sister Soete and Sister Gillen upon their retirement, highlighting their legacies within the community.
Sister Soete was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1933. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, but she is survived by nieces, nephews, and her Sisters of Mercy community. A beloved figure, Sister Soete had a fondness for the mountains of East Tennessee and often enjoyed camping there. After transferring to Mercy Convent in Nashville in 2020, she continued her ministerial work, demonstrating her commitment to service right to the end of her life.
The obituary of Sister Pat Soete emphasizes the significant impact she had on the lives of those who knew her, stating she will be “greatly missed” by her community. Her life and service have left a lasting impression on the Knoxville area and beyond.
Legacy of the Sisters of Mercy
The Sisters of Mercy were established in the U.S. in the 19th century and have since been known for their dedication to education, healthcare, and service to the poor. The Knoxville branch of the Sisters has played a crucial role in these endeavors since their inception in the region, particularly through the establishment of educational institutions and healthcare services.
Continuing Contributions
As the last Sister of Mercy serving in Knoxville, Sister Soete’s passing signifies not only the loss of an individual but also the end of a significant chapter in the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy in the region. The contributions of Sister Soete and her fellow Sisters will be remembered for their devoted service and unwavering commitment to their community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Sister Pat Soete?
Sister Pat Soete was the last Sister of Mercy to serve in Knoxville, Tennessee, and she was known for her extensive work in education and healthcare.
When and where is Sister Soete’s funeral?
Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, August 20, at Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee.
What was Sister Soete’s role in St. Mary’s Hospital?
Sister Soete served as a chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital from 1977 to 1994.
How will Sister Soete be honored after her passing?
Sister Soete will be honored with a Welcoming of the Cremains and a Celebration of Life Liturgy, followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery in Nashville.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Sister Pat Soete |
| Age at Death | 92 |
| Date of Funeral | August 20 |
| Location of Funeral | Mercy Convent, Nashville |
| Service Details | Welcoming of the Cremains at 11 a.m., Celebration of Life Liturgy at 1 p.m. |
| Burial Site | Calvary Cemetery, Nashville |
| Years Served at St. Mary’s Hospital | 1977 to 1994 |
| Retirement Year | 2020 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville’s St. Mary’s Legacy Clinic Champions Healthcare Access Across East Tennessee
Additional Resources
- Knox TN Today
- Wikipedia: Sisters of Mercy
- Tennessee Register
- Google Search: Sisters of Mercy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sisters of Mercy
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
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