Sister Katherine Mary

Sister Katherine Mary                 ND  4956                    PDF Download

(formerly Sister Mary David Anne)

Katherine Mary SKRABEC

Immaculate Conception Province, USA

Date and Place of Birth:           April 16, 1936    Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1957 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:         August 3, 2020  Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial:         August 7, 2020  Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio

“Take, Lord, receive…give me nothing more than your love and grace…”

Katie was the youngest of the three girls born to Anthony and Mary (Pust) Skrabec. While living in Cleveland and attending St. Vitus Church and School, her Slovenian heritage was fostered and celebrated. Katie was just ten when her mother died, and six years later, her father. Although deeply saddened, Katie grew up filled with love and care from her sisters and extended family. She enjoyed happy days, much laughter and a positive attitude toward life. After graduating from Notre Dame Academy in Cleveland, Katie entered the Sisters of Notre Dame as a postulant on September 8, 1954. At investment she received the name Sister Mary David Anne.

Sister received a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland and earned an Advanced Catechetical Diploma and Master of Arts degree in Religious Education from Notre Dame Institute in Middleburg, Virginia. For forty-eight years, Sister ministered in elementary schools in Ohio, Virginia and Florida, teaching every grade level. She was a master teacher who was firm, but had a special gift for making students feel comfortable, important and cared about. Sister was organized and methodical, yet very creative in her preparation for class. Her sense of humor, quick wit and love for life made her a joyful, welcoming presence to her colleagues, her students and their families.

After moving to the provincial center in 2006, Sister Katherine Mary offered herself to help in community wherever she was needed. She assisted in the Facilities Office and offered to drive sisters to appointments or family events. Her outgoing personality and interest in people were gifts she shared as the hospitality coordinator, meeting and greeting visitors, making them feel welcome and at home. During her fifteen years in the Archives, Sister used her artistic and scrapbooking skills to create memorial albums featuring all of the deceased sisters from the Chardon province. These albums were an outstanding contribution, one that will be treasured long into the future. They are currently on display in the heritage area of the provincial center.

Sister’s love for Jesus was simple, intimate and powerful. Throughout her life’s journey, the joy and love of God shone through her. “Katie” (as she was affectionately known) was blessed with precious, loyal friends and family who recognized that love in her. Now with a strong body, clear mind and a heart full of joy, may she rest in the arms of her beloved Jesus. Go in peace!