Sister Edna Agnes (Isidora) Bollich, MMS, died on October 17, 2018 in Philadelphia. She was 95 years old.
Early on in life, Sister Isidora was known for her vibrant personality, and for her deep love for her family and home community. A down-to-earth child, she preferred playing outdoors to dressing up in frilly dresses. She cherished her family throughout her life, and she adored her hometown of Mowata, La., expressed in her writing a short story called “Arnetta” about a young girl growing up on the Bayou.
Sister Isidora entered the Medical Mission Sisters (MMS) in 1952 after earning a B.A. in English and social studies from Southwest Louisiana Institute in Lafayette, La. She made her First Vows in 1955 and Final Vows in 1960. First missioned to Venezuela, Sister Isidora spent five years providing support services to the local MMS community. Afterwards, she spent 11 years in Ghana, West Africa, and served as administrator at the Kokufu Leprosarium in Ghana, and as local superior. In 1972, Sister Isidora moved to Rome to serve as secretary for MMS’s administrative leadership. She returned to Venezuela in 1977 and was involved in pastoral and parish work in the poor barrios of Barquisimeto. During her time there, Sister Isidora made a special effort to befriend those who were alone. She often led the rosary and served as parish secretary. Called to serve as her Society’s secretary, Sister Isidora lived in London, England for four years, before moving back to Venezuela from 2000 to 2003.
Returning to the United States in 2003, Sister Isidora settled in North Philadelphia and began teaching English as a Second Language in a local neighborhood parish as well as helping people who were working to attain citizenship. For many years, she returned to her beloved hometown to minister among her people as well as visiting with the sick and praying for neighbors and relatives.
In her later years, Sister Isidora divided her time volunteering at the local Senior Center and the Mission Development Center (MDC) at the MMS Headquarters in Fox Chase, Philadelphia. She delighted the staff at the MDC with her good humor and before leaving for the day would bestow a blessing of love and healing on each person.
She was preceeded in death by her parents, A.J. Bollich, Sr. and Edna Boudreaux Bollich, and brothers Stephen, Andrew, Elmo and Alfred, and sisters Gloria Coleman and JoAnn Frey. She is survived by brothers James Bollich of Lafayette, La. and Charles Bollich of Beaumont, Tx.
With a heart full of love, especially for those who are suffering, she was sought out frequently by those in need of her healing touch and prayers.
Relatives and friends are invited to Her Funeral Mass on Thursday October 25, 2018 at 10:00 AM at the Medical Mission Sisters Chapel 8400 Pine Road Philadelphia, Pa 19111, her Interment will be in the Medical Mission Sisters Cemetery.
Remembrances in Sister’s memory to the Medical Mission Sisters at the above address or online at www.medicalmissionsisters.org are appreciated.