Ann Paradis, SNJM

Ann Paradis was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, the only child of George and Catherine Spear Paradis. She attended All Saints Grade School and St. Mary’s Academy, both at the time conducted by the Sisters of the Holy Names. Her graduation from SMA in June 1954 was closely followed by her entry into the Sisters’ novitiate at Marylhurst in July. She was accepted as a novice on February 5, 1955, receiving the religious name, Sister Jeanne Michelle. She pronounced first vows in August 1956, making final vows in August 1961. For her nearly 50 years in education, Sister Ann’s ministry was in elementary schools. She began as a teacher, specializing in middle and upper grades. Over time she earned a B.S. in Education from Marylhurst College and a M.S. in Mathematics and History from the University of Oregon. In the early 1970s, her time in the schools was interrupted when she asked by the Community to become the first Holy Names Formation Director to guide women seeking entrance into the Community in a place outside the traditional convent setting. When she returned to the schools, Sister Ann served as principal at Our Lady of the Lake in Lake Oswego and at The Madeleine in Portland. Following this, she taught at St. Ignatius in Portland for 23 years. On retiring from the classroom, she turned to ministry in the parish, spending many more years at St. Ignatius, visiting the sick and elderly offering her loving interest and warm compassion. Sister Ann now lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon, where she is an active member of the retirement community at Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst. Always a lover of sports, she follows favorite teams with friends, sharing camaraderie and laughter. She also looks forward to opportunities to spend time at the beach, where she delights in its beauty and tranquility. And, every morning of every day, you will find Sister Ann on her daily walk keeping it moving, taking in the grandeur of the campus, and greeting friends and neighbors along the way. We are grateful for Sister Ann in our midst as a 70-year Jubilarian, mentor, and friend.