DUBUQUE – A formed educator in the Diocese of Davenport, Sister Carmel Purcell (John Carmelle), BVM, died July 20 at Mount Carmel in Dubuque. She was 78.
A native of Clinton, she entered the BVM congregation on Sept. 8, 1950, from St. Boniface Parish. She professed first vows on March 19, 1953, and final vows on July 16, 1958.
In the Diocese of Davenport, Sr. Purcell was a teacher at Sacred Heart in Davenport from 1974–75, and a vice-principal/teacher at St. Paul the Apostle in Davenport from 1979–83. She also taught and/or was principal elsewhere in Iowa, Illinois, California and New Mexico.
Her visitation and funeral were held July 23 at Marian Hall Chapel. Burial was at Mount Carmel Cemetery.