Sister Patricia Reno (Sister Pat) died suddenly April 5, 2024 at age 86. She was a member of the Dominican Sister Congregation of Adrian, Michigan, for 68 years.
Sister Pat, a native of Detroit, Michigan, was the daughter of William and Madeline Reno. She was educated at Siena Heights University, Barry University, Creighton University, University of North Carolina, Marygrove College, and Saints Cyril and Methodius Seminary.
Sister Pat’s lifelong ministries include teaching, administration, and leadership roles: Finance Director for Adrian Dominican Sisters in Michigan, Finance Director for Sisters of Providence, Pennsylvania, Director of Finance for St. Joseph Villa, Virginia, Director of Finance for Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Finance Director for the Thomas Merton Foundation in KY and CEO of Centro Latino.
Centro Latino was established in 1997 by the Church of the Annunciation to help those in need including refugees fleeing violence wanting to make a better home for their families.
Sr. Pat dedicated her life to fighting for social and economic justice. She found her most fulfilling ministry working with families at Centro Latino addressing the exploitation of undocumented workers. With the help of generous donors Centro Latino continues to assist the economically impoverished including working families.
Under Sr. Pat’s leadership, Centro Latino became financially solvent, vastly increased the number of people served, and grew into one of the most respected non-profit agencies in Shelby County. Sr. Pat’s passing leaves a huge void, not only in the Latino community, but also in the city of Shelbyville and the
entire county.
Sister Pat’s work as CEO from 2008 until her death in 2024 was recognized with many awards including Leadership Shelby Alumni of the Year and induction into the Kentucky Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
Sister Pat is survived by her beloved companion, Annette Bender, siblings Kathleen Reno, Madeline Reno, Dennis Reno, Molly Reno and Terry Reno, 8 nieces and nephews and 10 great- nieces and nephews. Sister Pat was pre-deceased by her parents and brothers William Reno and Michael Reno.
The Shelbyville Community is invited to say farewell to Sister Pat at a visitation at Church of the Annunciation on April 24th from 4:30 pm — 7:30 pm and at a Memorial Mass also at the Church of the Annunciation 10 am on April 25th. Luncheon will be provided by the Parish Bereavement Committee immediately after the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Centro Latino, 120 Main Street, Shelbyville, KY 40065.
