Sister Mary Philip Zerwas, Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, 95, died Wednesday, December 21, 2011, at Villa St. Joseph, La Crosse.

Sister Mary Philip was born to Philip and Agnes (Brunnier) Zerwas in Manning, Iowa. She entered St. Rose Convent on August 15, 1933, and professed first vows in 1936. Sister Mary Philip entered the healthcare profession and served as a registered nurse at St. Francis Hospital, La Crosse for 11 years and St. Anthony Hospital, Carroll, Iowa, for five years, where she also was Director of Nursing. From 1955 to 1968, Sister Mary Philip ministered as inhalation therapist and nurse anesthetist at Sacred Heart Hospital, Idaho Falls, Idaho. She returned to St. Francis for another sixteen years as a registered nurse, Sister-visitor and, finally, as patient representative. After a sabbatical year, Sister Mary Philip worked in the Wellness Center at St. Rose Convent from 1986 until her retirement in 1995. Before retiring to Villa St. Joseph in 2004, she volunteered at Sacred Heart Parish, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Sister Mary Philip is survived by her Franciscan Community; a sister-in-law, Rita Zerwas; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Eugene, Robert, LeRoy and Francis; and a sister, Sister Agnese Zerwas, FSPA, who died in 2003.

Friends may call after 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, when her body will be brought to St. Rose Convent. A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Mary of the Angels Chapel. The Mass of Christian burial will be held in at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Mary of the Angels Chapel, Wednesday. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse.

Memorials may be sent to Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 912 Market Street, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601-4782.

Dickinson Family Homes and Crematory is assisting with arrangements.