In Memoriam


Sister Pauline Quinn, OP (Kathleen Quinn)

(1942-2020)

Sister Pauline Quinn, formerly known as Kathleen (Kathy), died on Friday, March 13, 2020, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian, Michigan. She was 77 years of age. Sister Pauline, a privately vowed Dominican, made her final profession of vows to Bishop Raúl Vera López, OP, in 1996.

Sister Pauline was born December 10, 1942, in Hollywood, California, to Joseph and Rosemary (Hodges) Quinn. As a young woman, Sister Pauline experienced much trauma and homelessness. Her discovery of the unconditional love of a dog companion provided her a sense of safety, self-confidence, and belonging. For Sister Pauline, dog was God spelled backward. 

In 1981, she initiated a dog-training program in prisons, creating the Prison Pet Partnership in the Washington State Corrections Center for Women. In the early 1980s, Sister ministered in Italy, where she helped refugees at a Salvation Army house in Rome. Sister continued her Prison Pet Partnership mission by giving talks around the world. 

In 1985, she founded Pathways to Hope and later Bridges and Pathways of Courage, which encompasses the many projects with which Sister was involved. Sister Pauline’s other ministries have included volunteering with the Comboni Refugee Center in Rome, where she arranged medical care and transportation for the victims of the Bosnian and Gulf wars, as well as assisting refugees from Angola, Ethiopia, and Somalia. She traveled to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and undertook many other global missions of mercy. 

Sister Pauline became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Bernadette Dimitriadis, and her brother, Robert, as well as loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Welcome of Sister Pauline will be on Wednesday, March 18, 2020, at 6:00 p.m. in the Dominican Life Center lobby. The Wake will follow from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. in the Rose Room. The Reception of the Body and Vigil Prayer will be at 7:00 p.m. in St. Catherine Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. The Rite of Committal will be in the Congregation cemetery.

make a memorial giftMemorial gifts may be made to Bridges and Pathways of Courage, 1161 Grignon Street, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 54301, or to the Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, Michigan, 49221. 

 

 

 

 

Right: Sister Pauline with Father Carlos Azpiroz Costa, OP, then Master of the Dominican Order, November 2005

From left: The Quinn cousins, from left, Sister Pauline (Kathy), Sue, Patsy, and Mary Frances, 1988. Sister Pauline and Pax during a visit to Hong Kong, November 2018

 

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Avatar  Katrina Bridges 5 months agoReply

I did not know Sister Pauline had passed away until now, and it is deeply affecting me this evening. In 2002 she gave me the opportunity to train my first puppy while incarcerated, she was a yellow lab named Zoe. Sister Pauline and her Golden Retriever Pax would come to the prison and teach us all the skills we needed to make these smart puppies the most amazing service dogs they could be. Sister Pauling saw something in me a 20-year-old who had given up on life and trusted me to train a dog that would assist someone with their ability to live an independent life, and in turn, she had given me a chance to find myself again. Sister Pauline believed in me and told me I could do it and she told me to believe in myself. I found a purpose I became a veterinary assistant, a Canine Specialist and I just got my Master groomers certificate. I am enrolled in a Business Management program so I can open my own business training service dogs for disabled Veterans using Shelter dogs. Sister Pauline told me I could she believed in my business plan when I showed it to her and now knowing she has passed. When I am released I will make both our dreams of seeing me succeed a reality.

Avatar  Alicia Hamrick last yearReply

I just watched the movie about Sr Pauline and it touched my soul. To know such a wonderful person existed brings joy to my heart. I never met you Sr Pauline, but your memory and legacy continues to touch people and forever will. RIP

Avatar  Annette Miller 3 years agoReply

I met Sr. Pauline in Otisfield, Maine when she was living with the Sisters of the Resurrection . They had a boarding kennel and I used to take my golden retriever there. She came to speak to our Maine Golden Retriever Club about her prison program. Before I knew where I was she involved me in collecting medical supplies for Bosnia. It was a challenge in my first year of retirement but I ended up going with her to Rome and Bosnia in November 1998. It was and will remain a high point in my life. It was a miracle how this mission was accomplished. I’m sorry I lost touch with her. She made a huge difference in many people’s lives. RIP Sister Pauline.

Avatar  Mukasa Daniel 4 years agoReply

We thank God for the life of sr Pauline Quin. She found me in Uganda in 1995. She organise my trip Wisconsin to fix my leg affected with polio. She restored my hope.The leg moved for at least 11Years.To remember her generosity, we named our first daughter Quinn Pauline Nakkazi. I will always keep the smile she taught me to have May he soul rest in peace .

Avatar  Catherine Turrill-Lupi 4 years agoReply

I was very sorry to learn of Sister Pauline's death last month. She has been a very good friend for over thirty years. I still remember meeting her in Rome one cold December back in the 1980s, not far from the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. I feel privileged to have followed her journey in the years that followed. She was a wonderful, generous, spirited person.

Avatar  Sandy Tobin 4 years agoReply

My husband and I are deeply saddened by the death of Sister Pauline I met her during the Bosnian war when she came with me on a pilgrimage to Medjugorje that I was leading. We were roommates and we got to know each other quite well, keeping in touch through Facebook and letters all these years. Some months ago, I sent her a pink "Giving Shawl" and heart-shaped pillow because I wanted her to have something very soft to comfort her. She spoke at one of our Marian conferences years back and brought her dog, Reni, with her. She was wonderful. Last night, we watched the video of her wake service and funeral and we thank everyone who made that possible. We will never forget that amazing woman who turned tragedy into triumph and we thank God that she was a part of our lives. We will love you forever, Sister Pauline.

Avatar  Debra Buttram 4 years agoReply

I meet Sr Pauline years after learning of her work with the Prison Dog programme when I was training as an assistant dog trainer in 1995. We only saw each other a few times but had contact through email and Facebook. I am so pleased that Sr Pauline was able to turn her life around and do the wonderful work she did helping others. Eternal peace be yours.

Avatar  Judy Parent, op 4 years agoReply

Pauline's face appeared in my Facebook friend suggestions. I went into her timeline to see more about her. A young woman playing Bach's Carol of the Bells with a tree of bells was on Pauline's timeline. It was so beautiful, I still have her playing the bells on my timeline.
Today, when I saw Pauline's face here, I said to myself, "I know that sister!"
I am happy to have learned more about Pauline through the vigil. I am sorry she suffered so much as a child but how wonderful how Pax gave her a new life which led her to give life to others. She is now at peace with Jesus.

Avatar  Sr Sara Boehmer 4 years agoReply

Thank you Adrian sisters that you gave Sr Pauline a home where she could pass in peace. Thank you to Timthy who encouraged her for Dominican life. Thank you Pauline for all you lived and could give. In Norofl MA I met inmates with their beloved dogs... what a change for their lifes!
Rest in peace, Sr Pauline!
sr Sara Böhmer, Dominican sisters of Bethany

Avatar  Sr. Rosalie Dickson 4 years agoReply

I am a member of the Community of the Resurrection in Otisfield, Maine where Sr. Pauline stayed for a while. She was a very kind and loving person and she I would travel to Mass together on Sundays. When she left, she was really missed and we stayed in touch, however, I would send a message on facebook or comment on things she posted. I was saddened last night when I opened the facebook page to learn of her death. She now is out of her misery with the Lord in eternal Bliss. Rest in peace Sr. Pauline and may the perpetual light shine upon you.

Avatar  Heidi Wilson-Rodriguez 4 years agoReply

It was a privilege to walk beside you and enjoy your company. "You have fought the good fight Sister. You have finished the race, and you remained faithful. And now the prize awaits you--the crown of righteousness "

Avatar  Jerry Stookey, OP 4 years agoReply

Sister Pauline and I became lifelong friends when she interrupted my comfortable life, insisting that I listen to her life story and respond like a Dominican brother should. She dramatically changed my life and ministry for the better. I regret that I was not able to see her one more time, nor attend her funeral due to so many unusual circumstances presently. God bless her always. With a Dominican hug, Jerry Stookey, OP

Avatar  Julio Cepeda 4 years agoReply

I am the Coordinator of the "Huellas de Esperanza" Program, of the Federal Prisons Service of Argentina. I met Pauline in October 2009, and she came to a Prison and explained Prison Dog Program and the benefits it gives to people deprived of liberty and people with disabilities. from that day cultivating a friendship from the work, the respect and the good will of Pauline. traveled to Buenos Aires 6 opportunities. She lived 4 in the prison near the inmates (She was happy to do it), we went to present the Program to Mexico in 2015 and to Papa Francisco in 2015. He left a Great Person who suffered a lot in life but did great works in many parts of the world. Haiti, Uganda (Make a School with its Bedrooms and Classrooms) in Italy, in Bosnia. I leave a Legacy and our Program will continue forever. Thank you and pray for the Eternal rest of the Great Friend Sr Pauline Quinn Op. Q.D.E.P.
Saludos de todo el Equipo Profesional e Integrantes de "Huellas de Esperanza"- Argentina

Avatar  Julio Cepeda 4 years agoReply

I am the Coordinator of the "Huellas de Esperanza" Program, of the Federal Prisons Service of Argentina. I met Pauline in October 2009, and she came to a Prison and explained Prison Dog Program and the benefits it gives to people deprived of liberty and people with disabilities. from that day cultivating a friendship from the work, the respect and the good will of Pauline. traveled to Buenos Aires 6 opportunities. She lived 4 in the prison near the inmates (She was happy to do it), we went to present the Program to Mexico in 2015 and to Papa Francisco in 2015. He left a Great Person who suffered a lot in life but did great works in many parts of the world. Haiti, Uganda (Make a School with its Bedrooms and Classrooms) in Italy, in Bosnia. I leave a Legacy and our Program will continue forever. Thank you and pray for the Eternal rest of the Great Friend Sr Pauline Quinn Op. Q.D.E.P.
Saludos de todo el Equipo Profesional e Integrantes de "Huellas de Esperanza"- Argentina

Avatar  Catherine Chua 4 years agoReply

Hi Julio, Sister was going to connect us with you, I am Catherine Chua with The CEO Foundation in Hong Kong. We are perhaps Sister Pauline's last sewed seed of prison dog training program that is still struggling to grow out of the soil, in a very fragile stage. If you don't mind please contact us, my email is cpwchua@ceo-foundation.org

Avatar  Donna Shawver 4 years agoReply

To say that Sister Pauline was an influence in my life would be an understatement she was my dear friend my mentor and a spiritual guide. Her impact on the world through the prison dog program will go on as a legacy of her love and commitment to help others in need and to aid victims of trauma and the disenfranchised. When Sister Pauline asked me to take over her work through bridges and pathways of courage my first thought was I will never be able to do what she does. My only hope is that I can continue sharing what she’s taught me over the last 20 years and continue to spread her words of love and encouragement. Please know that any donations that are made to bridges and pathways of courage will be used for her legacy programs.
Bpofcourage.org
Rest in peace my dear friend.

Avatar  Sue Brant 4 years agoReply

So honored to have known her. People would tell us it wasn't fair to bring our own nun to the dog show. Rest In Peace Sister

Avatar  April Haubert 4 years agoReply

Rest in peace Sister Pauline ..it was a pleasure getting to know yow

Avatar  April Haubert 4 years agoReply

Rest in peace Sister Pauline..it was a honor getting to know you over the years.

Avatar  Jen B 4 years agoReply

Thank you for a lifetime of inspiration, grace, and unconditional love. Im grateful for our time together and will hold memories and lessons fondly in my heart, forever. Thank you for your friendship, Sister Pauline. You are cherished, honored, respected, and loved.

Avatar  Catherine P Chua 4 years agoReply

I came to know Sister Pauline Quinn in December 2017 because of her prison dog program. After a year of emails back and forth, Sister came to Hong Kong in November 2018. We finally met in person, and I visited her again in September 2019 when she took us to several prisons that run the dog training programs. She was with a gentle spirit and yet firm in what she believed in. She was such a great inspiration to those around her. I was blessed to be able to spend time with her, those were days that would be cherished for a life time. Sister, rest in peace in the bosom of our Heavenly Father, may you wrap yourself fully with His abundant Love. Love and miss you so much, Catherine Chua.

Avatar  Mary Saggau 4 years agoReply

May God Bless you my cousin Sister Pauline. May you rest in peace.
You made life better for so many people and also gave your animals so much love. You will be missed by so many . I am so sorry that you had to suffer so much in pain and also sorry that we did not get to know one another as cousins.

Avatar  Kristi Scholz 4 years agoReply

S. Pauline, may you rest in the comfort of God’s hands. You were such an amazing person and friend. I am blessed to have known you and Pax.
All my love,
Kristi



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