Sr. Phyllis Kapuscinski

The family of Sr. Phyllis Kapuscinski and the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion sadly announce the death of Phyllis May 4, 2025. Phyllis was born to John and Elsie Kapuscinski on Feb 26, 1934, in Parkerview, SK. She is survived by her brother Joe K., Adam K., sister Nell Exner, and is predeceased by brother Frank K., and sister Betty Wilson.

Phyllis had an insatiable curiosity which compelled her to become a life-long learner. She pursued studies at several different universities during her lifetime as well as travelled the world with her dear friend and sister, Nell Exner, to meet and experience diverse people, cultures, tastes, and sounds.

Phyllis pronounced her first vows with the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion on Sept. 8, 1957, in Saskatoon, SK. She was already a professional teacher and, not soon afterwards, was helping newly graduated community members with their teaching skills. For several years, Phyllis taught in Saskatoon at Sion Academy, a girls' high school, and E.D. Feehan High School and became a teacher who was deeply loved and respected by her students. She taught mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics. Her love of chemistry transferred to the kitchen, and she became known for her culinary skills. Phyllis later became involved in teacher training at the University of Regina and spent 20 years in this position followed by 17 years as a Science professor at Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, USA. During these years Phyllis also studied Scripture and Jewish-Christian Relations.

Phyllis also served in different positions within the Sion community - she was on the leadership team for a number of years, and also, she was Directress of Second Formation for younger members of the community. She worked industriously at the Archives for Sisters of Sion in Saskatoon. Within the broader community, she became engaged with multi-faith dialogue and made close friends among those of the Jewish and Muslim faith traditions. Wherever she went, whatever she did, she endeared herself to others because she had a big, caring heart, "a heart as big as the world". Her family was very important to her and the many people she met throughout her life's journey. Surviving Phyllis are immediate family members- sister Nell Exner, niece Deanna and family, nephew Dr. Derek Exner and family, and members of her community, the Sisters of Sion.

There will be a funeral mass at St Patrick's Parish, 3339 Centennial Drive, Saskatoon, SK on Saturday May 10 at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow. To watch this Mass click this link:

https://www.youtube.com/live/jSTpK-LaEY4?si=3k0XiAX34YNG86sh

Memorial donations can be forwarded to Prairie Center for Ecumenism
www.pcecumenism.ca/donate/
OR 
Congregation of Our Lady of Sion Middle East Education Fund 
c/o 160 Marion Street Toronto, ON 
M6R 1E8