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“I sit back and bask in the warmth of deep memories of places, events, and people who have shaped me. The Lord has guided every step in my life’s journey.” – Sister Mary Bridget Mullen
Sister Mary Bridget, 94, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL), died on June 30, 2021, in Ross Hall at the SCL Mother House, Leavenworth, Kan. She celebrated her 70th anniversary as an SCL in 2016.
Sister entered the religious community soon after high school and served as a long-time teacher in primary and secondary schools, before working in healthcare at the end of her ministry. Though tiny, she had a mighty presence, loved animals and the outdoors, and was known for her quick wit, sense of humor, and disarming nature. She had a genuine and natural rapport with students, who valued and trusted her. Sister Mary Bridget embodied the SCL characteristic virtues of simplicity, humility, and charity.
Helen Therese Mullen was born on Nov. 16, 1926, in Butte, Mont., the fourth of five children of Michael J. Mullen and Nellie (Sullivan) Mullen. She had a strong Irish Catholic heritage on both sides of her family, and spoke with a “Butte brogue.” While her parents stressed education, which she took to heart, she also excelled in sports and music (piano), and was known for her mischievousness. Once, when her adored, oldest sister expectantly opened the front door to greet a date, she was met by Helen and her brother, who doused her with water.
She attended St. John’s Grade School and Girls Central High School in Butte, Mont., before pursuing an education degree at Saint Mary College, Leavenworth. Helen entered the SCL Community on Aug. 14, 1946, and professed vows as Sister Mary Bridget on Aug. 15, 1948. In 1970, she received a master’s degree in history from Loyola University in Chicago.
Sister Mary Bridget served in primary and secondary schools for almost 40 years in Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, and Kansas. She taught a wide variety of subjects (English, history, psychology, religion, and more), and also coached team sports and sponsored the cheerleading squad. During her teaching career, she once remarked that there are two types of people: “those who are present, but their minds are elsewhere,” and those who are not only present, but whose “presence remains long after they are gone.” She said, “I prefer to be the latter”—and she was. She was spiritually present and took time to help students deal with problems that sometimes went beyond the classroom. She taught high school during the Vietnam era and agonized over those students—corresponding with many who saw action and some of whom gave their lives in service to their country.
Sister Mary Bridget was a life-long learner who spent several summers working to deepen her knowledge of history through various educational opportunities. One summer, she walked the battlefields of the American Revolution, later bringing that experience back to the classroom. She was always looking for ways to make history and other subjects come alive for her students. After leaving education, Sister worked for three years in medical records at DePaul Hospital in Cheyenne, Wyo., and also served with the SCL Health Program.
In her retirement years, Sister Mary Bridget spent time caring for the elderly, as well as several orphaned cats who lived near the Mother House. She loved spending time with family—something that was always important to her—and kept up with her 14 nieces and nephews—never forgetting to send birthday greetings to each one. She also stayed connected to the University of Saint Mary, her alma mater, and visited with students and cheered the school’s athletic teams. Reflecting on her life as a Sister, she once remarked, “I sit back and bask in the warmth of deep memories of places, events, and people who have shaped me. The Lord has guided me every step in my life’s journey.” Even though she sometimes commented humorously that God was a “rascal,” she knew that all of life was an illustration of divine love.
Preceding Sister Mary Bridget in death were her parents and three of her four siblings, including Joseph T. Mullen, Betty Mullen Daly, and Rosaleen Mullen; and one niece, Joan Daly. Survivors include her oldest sister, Margaret Mullen Presley, and 14 nieces and nephews, and the SCL Community.
A vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 22, in Ross Chapel, SCL Mother House, Leavenworth. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Ross Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 23. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Mother House grounds. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance is restricted to only invited guests. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048. Arrangements made by Belden-Larkin Funeral Home, Leavenworth.
Rest In Peace, Dear Sr. Bridgett. Sr. Bridgett taught many students at Hayden High School in Topeka. She was beloved by many, including me. I was in the class of 1980. She taught me Western Civ. Her demeanor was charming, sweet, and super clever and funny. She referred to us as “my creatures”. So funny! A friend who manages it will share this obituary on our Class of 1980 Facebook page so that all of us who were blessed by her loving dedication can write tributes here. 🙏🏻
Sister Bridgett taught me at Hayden Catholic High School in Topeka, 1975-1978. She was one of my favorite teachers and most importantly, fun to talk to. Although, small in stature, she had a huge personally and command presence. I remember taking a field trip to the Nelson Art Gallery in KCMO. She dove a green Dodge and could barely see over the steering wheel. It was a very interesting ride (we said our prayers). Sister Bridget also taught my wife (Delphine). We tell Sister Bridget stories to our children (two have graduated from HCHS and 2 currently attend). My prayers are with Sister Bridget, her family and SCL Community.
Rest In Peace Sister Mary Bridget!
We have good memories from Hayden and Saint Mary’s as well as fun times at family get togethers. Thank you for genuine friendship, as well as your patience while teaching high school students!
You are in our prayers.
Sister Mary Bridget had a huge influence on my life growing up in Kansas City, Kansas. She was a great teacher and a wonderful woman. I’m sorry I never got the chance to tell her in person as an adult how loved she was. Rest in Peace dear Sister…
We were very honored to know her. Rest In Peace.
Sister Mary Bridget taught me civics and history at Butte Central High School in Butte, MT, which was her hometown and mine. She went to the same grade school that my friends and I did and knew our parents when they were all kids. She would often regale the class with tales of the antics that she was part of as a kid. They were mischievous for sure!
Sister Bridget was one of the best teachers I ever had in my nearly 20 years of education. She made learning fun and interesting, which says a lot coming from someone that doesn’t really enjoy history.
Rest in peace Sister Bridget. You were much loved and shaped many lives in your wonderful life.
Sr Bridget was a teacher at Butte Central Catholic HS when I was a student there. Being from Butte like many of the sisters, brothers and priests, she knew your family and hence made a connection. She was a good teacher. Rest in peace.
Sister Bridget was such a character! Forever part of my rich memories of the SCL’s and my Catholic education. Heaven will be more fun now!
Rest In Peace dear Sister Bridget, you served us all well.
This is very said for me to hear, she was a great woman, teacher & friend…we had a friendship beyond teacher & student… we had a lot of private conversations & no one at Hogan knew me better…I remember going up to Leavenworth with her once & letting her drive my ’55 Chevy…Lol…I had changed a lot after high school became more of a extrovert & very outgoing… I had sent her a photo she told me I was a late bloomer & beautiful…LOL I remember she sent me a pic of herself without her habit & I was quite surprised,,, as a kid, I thought they slept in them…she Loved Montana & she loved her students & we loved her…I’ve thought of her from time to time & thought about calling the Mother House to see where she was but didn’t& now, I’m sorry I didn’t…RIP Sister Bridget..I never called her Sister Mary Brigdet…Sister Johannes & her were very close