An era ends with the death of Carmelite Sister Mary Joseph Whipperman

Intermountain Catholic

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Father Martin Diaz, pastor of St. Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, lays Sr. Mary Joseph to rest in Mount Calvary Cemetery. IC photo Christine Young

HOLLADAY - "A chapter is finished, and that is what brings tears to my eyes," said Conrad Whipperman of the death of his younger sister as she was laid to rest in Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery July 17.

Carmelite Sister Mary Joseph (Barbara) Whipperman died of complications from diabetes July 13.

"We brought her to the cemetery every Memorial Day to decorate the graves of the sisters, and spent Christmas with her every year at the monastery," he said.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon echoed Conrad Whipperman's sentiments, saying an era had ended, referring to the Carmelite Fair Sr. Mary Joseph directed for more than 30 years.

For her funeral, the small chapel of the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Monastery was filled, as were the chairs outside to accommodate the many mourners. Father Bill Bonczewski, the main celebrant of the funeral Mass, said they noticed "a vivid fragrance of flowers" just before they moved her to the care center where she died. "I looked around to see if I could see any flowers, and there weren't any," said Fr. Bill, pastor of Saint Jude Maronite Catholic Church. "It seemed to me an indication that the heavenly ones were coming to make their preparation to bring Mary Joseph to their place of rest. A short time later as she died, a very strong fragrance of roses was present in the room. She had a beautiful life and beautiful death."

"Sr. Mary Joseph's death was truly beautiful," said Carmelite Mother Maureen. "She was surrounded by all of us (sisters) and passed away at the end of Compline (night prayers) as soon as we finished singing "Salve Regina," the song of Our Blessed Mother. A strong scent of roses was perceived by all in the room and Our Blessed Mother and Saint Therese came to take Sr. Mary Joseph home."

Dawn Buhlman, Our Lady of Lourdes, Magna parishioner, said Sr. Mary Joseph was like a mother to her. "When I met her 30 years ago I knew immediately I wanted to be a Carmelite or help them, so I started volunteering for the fair. The fair was stressful for her because she was doing much of it herself. It took a while for her to delegate because it is the livelihood of the sisters."

The fair started out as a Sunday tea, said Georgia Ann Wilson, a Carmelite parishioner who helped Sr. Mary Joseph turn it into what it is now.

"Everyone will miss Sr. Mary Joseph and her death leaves a void in the Carmelite Community," said Mother Maureen. "But despite her absence, the fair will continue. She was a very joyful and happy person and a good representative of our community. She developed many friendships."

Sr. Mary Joseph was born May 11, 1933 in Salt Lake City to Ernest and Edna Duncombe Whipperman. Raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she worked as a nurse's aide at LDS Hospital, and then enrolled in Brigham Young University's nursing program. She graduated with honors in 1956 and began a career as a public health nurse in Salt Lake City.

She had the distinct feeling she could give her life to God at the age of 14. In her 20s she began to think seriously about religion and, looking into the Catholic Church, became a member in 1957. She entered the Carmelite Order in 1963 as the extern sister. Receiving the holy habit in December 1964, she was given the name Sr. Mary Joseph of the Sacred Heart and the Infant Jesus. She took her final vows May 1, 1975.

She is survived by two brothers, Donald E. Whipperman and E. Conrad Whipperman, their families and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by the Sisters of the Carmelite community.