Sister Ellen Philbin

Sister Ellen Philbin peacefully passed into the arms of God on May 7, 2024. Born on July 17, 1929, in Meelick, Swinford, Co. Mayo, Ireland, to James and Brigid Philbin, she was one of five siblings: John Philbin, Catherine Quinn, Anne Philbin and Margaret Philbin all of whom have preceded her in death. Sister Ellen began her life as a Sister of Mercy in November, 1949, walking that path for over 73 years. 

A gifted and dedicated educator, she taught at St. Joseph School, Redding, St. Joseph School, North Sacramento, Sacred Heart, Sacramento, Holy Cross, Bryte as well as serving in secondary education at St. Joseph Academy, Bishop Armstrong High School and as chairperson of the Counseling Department at Mercy High Carmichael. After serving in elementary education, Sr. Ellen served as religious education coordinator at both St. Joseph, North Sacramento and St. Dominic’s Colfax. 

A vigil service will be held for her on May 16, 2024 at 6:30pm at the Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, 535 Sacramento Street Auburn, CA. The funeral liturgy will take place the following morning at 10:30am at the Convent. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made in her memory to: Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 535 Sacramento Street Auburn, CA. 95603