Sister Phyllis Ann Bunnell, CDP
January 1, 1938 – October 16, 2023
Sister Phyllis Ann Bunnell (formerly Marie Bernard), CDP, entered eternal life on October 16, 2023, at the age of 85. She was born January 1, 1938, in San Angelo, Texas, to Francis Patrick and Marie Christina (Droll) Bunnell. She was the middle child of three girls. Sister Phyllis admired the Sisters of Divine Providence (CDP’s) great dedication as educators and answered God’s call to follow their example on June 21, 1958. She spent 56 years of her 64 years of vowed life as an educator.
Sister Phyllis’ early education took place in the local Catholic school until her mother, who was taught by the Sisters of Divine Providence, enrolled her in St. Joseph’s Academy in Abilene, Texas. It was a boarding school where the CDP taught. She was to stay for one year while her older sister adjusted. However, Phyllis attended from third grade to her high school graduation because she enjoyed being with the Sisters. Sister was happy to have Sister Amata Regan (later Superior General of CDP) as her teacher. Shortly after graduation, she accepted the invitation to join the convent. That was the beginning of her devoted life to teaching.
Sister Phyllis excelled in her own education having earned a Bachelor of Science from Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU), San Antonio, Texas, and both a Master of Arts and PhD from the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas. Starting her ministry in 1960, she would span states and curriculums, from elementary schools in Shreveport, Louisiana, to high schools in Ennis, Texas, culminating as an Assistant Professor of English at her alma mater, Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. “In my humble opinion, there can be no better life than that of a Sister and no better ministry than teaching,” she once declared. Her love for Latin and English was particularly profound, noting, “As much as I enjoyed teaching English, Latin provided me with an extra jolt of excitement.” Her final mission lasted 13 years at Providence High School, San Antonio, Texas, a sponsored institution of the congregation. She taught the girls English and Latin. The boys from Central Catholic High School were included in her Latin classes for four years of those years.
Her influence extended beyond the classroom. Sister Phyllis served two terms on the Liturgy Commission of the Parish Council in Denton, Texas, and actively participated in various congregational roles, echoing the importance of evolving faith and community. Reflecting on her journey, she insightfully remarked about Vatican II, “It’s our church. We’re responsible for it, and we need to work to make Jesus known to the world.”
Her peers and superiors held Sister Phyllis in high regard, with the Graduate Dean of North Texas State University lauding her as an “influence for good” and “never too busy to help someone who needs it” among both students and faculty. Her vibrant spirit touched all. Her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering faith in the face of change remain an inspiration to many.
She is survived and loved by her Bunnell and Droll cousins, and the Sisters of Divine Providence. She was preceded in death by her parents Francis Patrick and Marie Christina (Droll) Bunnell and siblings Patricia Bunnell and Sister Nicole Bunnell, CDP.
The Rosary is Monday, October 23, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.; Wake, at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Resurrection is Tuesday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m. All services will be in Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent Center.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 515 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, Texas 78207-4619.