Sr. Elizabeth Rhodes, former OLPH principal, dies at 87

    Sister of Mercy Elizabeth Rita Rhodes, who served as teacher, principal and development director at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Kenner, died Jan. 13 at Notre Dame Hospice, New Orleans. She was 87.
    A New Orleans native, Sister Elizabeth was the daughter of Daniel and Rita McGittigan Rhodes. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in Webster Groves, Mo., in 1941 and made her final profession in 1947.
    Sister Elizabeth received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s in education (administration) at Loyola University New Orleans. Sister Elizabeth spent all but two years of her ministry in education in Louisiana, serving at St. Joseph’s School in Jeanerette, and in New Orleans at St. Alphonsus School, St. Michael’s School, St. Francis Xavier School and Holy Name of Jesus School.
    Sister Elizabeth completed 39 years as teacher, principal and development director at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Kenner in 2005. She was director of the Mercy Associates in New Orleans during her retirement.
    Sister Elizabeth is survived by her brother-in-law, Thomas Morris, and numerous nieces and nephews.
    Her funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 19 at Holy Name of Jesus Church by Jesuit Father Donald Hawkins. She was buried in St. Patrick’s Cemetery No. 3 in New Orleans.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy Louisiana Ministry Fund, 6028 Freret St., New Orleans, LA 70118.