Born in Sand Lake, Michigan, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1948 and made final vows in 1953. She ministered as a teacher, principal, teacher aide and organist.

In the Archdiocese of St. Louis, Sister Mary Philip served at Immaculate Conception School in Augusta, Holy Family School in Port Hudson, Holy Ghost School in Berkeley, St. Pius X School in Glasgow Village and St. Blaise/Holy Spirit School in Maryland Heights. She also served in Louisiana, Illinois, New Mexico, Ohio and West Virginia.

Sister Mary Philip was known as an excellent seamstress, having made many chasubles for the priests at parishes where she ministered. She was devoted to prison ministry retreat work and loved teaching and interacting with her students on the playground.

Survivors include two brothers, Fred and Peter Patin. A private burial took place in Resurrection Cemetery on May 1. There will be a memorial Mass and celebration of Sister Mary Philip’s life at a later date.