News Summary
Sister Pat Soete, the last Sister of Mercy serving in Knoxville, passed away at 92. Her dedication to healthcare and education has left a lasting impact on the community. A funeral is scheduled for August 20 in Nashville, celebrating her remarkable life of service.
Nashville – Sister Pat Soete, the last Sister of Mercy who served in Knoxville, passed away in Nashville at the age of 92 on August 11, 2025. Her contributions to the Knoxville community, particularly in health care and education, have left a lasting legacy.
The funeral for Sister Soete is scheduled for Wednesday, August 20, at Mercy Convent in Nashville, Tennessee. The ceremony will commence with a welcoming of the cremains at 11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Liturgy at 1 p.m. Following the service, burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Nashville.
Sister Soete was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1933. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, but she is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and her community of Sisters of Mercy. Sister Pat retired in the fall of 2020, concluding a remarkable career of service. Another notable Sister of Mercy, Sister Yvette Gillen, also retired recently, in the spring of 2020, after dedicated service in Clinton and Alcoa.
Service to the Community
The Sisters of Mercy were first established in Knoxville in 1896, initially serving at St. Mary School next to Immaculate Conception Church. Over the years, they expanded their mission by founding St. Mary’s Hospital in Knoxville in 1930, where they served for more than 85 years, significantly impacting the local healthcare landscape.
Sister Soete played a vital role as a chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital from 1977 until 1994. During her tenure, she worked under Sister Marie Moore, who was the hospital’s president at that time. Sister Soete’s work in the hospital allowed her to provide spiritual support to countless patients and their families, further demonstrating her deep commitment to the community.
A Life Beyond Service
After her retirement, Sister Soete continued her mission of helping others, embodying the spirit of service that characterizes the Sisters of Mercy. Her obituary notes that she will be greatly missed by all who knew her, reflecting the profound impact she made on those around her during her lifetime.
Remembering Sister Soete
A comprehensive look at Sister Soete’s life and her years of service was written by Dan McWilliams upon her retirement in 2020. This reflection serves as a testament to her dedication and the role she played within her community. For those seeking further details about her life, a full obituary is available.
Sister Pat Soete’s passing marks the end of an era for the Sisters of Mercy in Knoxville. Her life’s work represents a commitment to education, healthcare, and spiritual guidance that has touched many lives over the decades.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Maris Mogan Obituary
- Tennessee Register: Mercy Jubilarians Celebrate a Life of Extending Christ’s Compassion
- The Tennessean: Remembering 150 Years of Sisters of Mercy in Tennessee
- Wikipedia: Sisters of Mercy
- Google News: Sister Pat Soete
Author: HERE Nashville
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