Sister Sharon Collver, SNJM
(Sister M. Raphaelann)
February 27, 1939 – October 20, 2019
Sister Sharon Collver, SNJM departed this life on October 20, 2019 at Marie Rose Center, Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Sister Sharon celebrated 80 years of life and 60 years of her religious profession.
Mass of Resurrection was celebrated on Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Chapel of the Holy Names, Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Burial took place following the funeral at Holy Names Cemetery, Marylhurst, Oregon.
Sister Sharon Collver, SNJM
M. Raphaelann
February 27, 1939 – October 20, 2019
Sister Sharon Collver, age 80, died at Mary’s Woods, Marylhurst, Oregon, on October 20, 2019. A Holy Names Sister for 60 years, her funeral will be held at 11 a.m., October 30, 2019, in the Chapel of the Holy Names, Marylhurst. Burial follows at Holy Names Cemetery.
The third daughter of Ralph and Elfrieda Fallert Collver, Sharon grew up in Portland, Oregon. She attended All Saints Grade School and St. Mary’s Academy. Upon graduating from high school, she entered the Sisters’ novitiate at Marylhurst and received the name Sister M. Raphaelann.
Sister Sharon taught first grade in Holy Names schools in Salem, Medford, and Astoria and was a director of religious education and adult religious education working with students of all ages in Astoria and Portland. She served on the Oregon Provincial Council, facilitated workshops in PRH (Personality and Human Relationships, and was involved in vocation ministry for the Sisters. During this time she obtained a master’s degree in theology. Later she completed Clinical Pastoral Education training and was Catholic chaplain at Oregon State Hospital, Salem.
Most recently, Sister Sharon was a leader of the RCIA program at The Madeleine Parish, Portland, and beloved leader of twice-weekly Bible Study groups. She is remembered as a warm, wise and patient teacher who welcomed questions.
Sharon once wrote, “I would mostly like to be remembered as someone of Faith who got to know a bit of God, and for the joy that God was for me… I am extremely grateful for all who have been a part of my life — helping me to grow into the joy I experience.”
Sister Sharon is survived by her sisters, Roberta Suppes (Beaverton, Oregon), Jan Holland (Portland, Oregon), and Marita McDonough (Berthoud, Colorado), her nieces and nephews, and members of her religious community. Remembrances may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names, P.O. Box 398, Marylhurst, OR 97036 or online at www.snjmusontario.org/donate.