Sister Mary Kathleen

SISTER MARY KATHLEEN                                ND  5537                                      PDF Download

(formerly Sister Mary Lisbeth)

Kathleen Therese McCafferty

Immaculate Conception Province, USA

Date and Place of Birth:                   July 11, 1941                           Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:         August 16, 1962                     Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:                 January 16, 2024                   Geauga Medical Center, Chardon
Date and Place of Burial:                 January 26, 2024                   Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon

“Remain in My love.”

Being close in age, Kathleen and her younger sister and brother shared a happy childhood and a special relationship. They grew up in the St. Wendelin Parish neighborhood, very close to downtown Cleveland, a city she came to know and love. Their Irish ancestry provided deep roots of faith and strong family bonds. At first, Kathleen was shy and quiet in school, while at home and at play, lively and talkative! She attended St. Stephen High School in Cleveland, and blossomed. As a senior, Kathleen made the decision to enter religious life. She became a postulant on September 8, 1959, and at investment received the name Sister Mary Lisbeth.

Sister received a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame College in South Euclid, Ohio and a master’s degree from Indiana University in Bloomington. She was an excellent teacher of literature, speech and language—vivacious and totally committed to her students. Although her first interest was journalism, drama and the theater became her passion. Sister had the ability to integrate all facets of literature and the arts into her classes. Professionalism coupled with an ever-ready smile and great sense of humor enabled students to work as a team and explore ways to reach the minds and emotions of the audience, understanding themselves better in the process. Her energetic, joy-filled presence nourished the gifts and talents of both students and staff.

Sister Mary Kathleen connected with people of all ages. In 1999 she transitioned from formal classroom teaching to become a pastoral minister at St. Catherine Parish in Cleveland and then Holy Spirit Parish in Garfield Heights. She was involved in every facet of parish life—from bingo, to adult Bible Study, bereavement ministry, sacramental preparation and summer programs for the children. Her gentle, prayerful heart respected and welcomed each person. With characteristic enthusiasm she met varied needs and brought people together. Sister Mary Kathleen was loving and loved, a dear friend to so many.

In March 2023 Sister moved to the Health Care Center in Chardon. She met the challenge of multiple surgeries and countless setbacks with courage and an indomitable spirit, and was an inspiration to all around her. Just a few days prior to her unexpected death, she reached her goal of returning to her room in Assisted Living. Sister Mary Kathleen once remarked that she had met the tragedies of life with humor and laughter, yet always with the conviction that Jesus was the center and the reason for her life.

We are grateful for the gift of her life, her energy and spirit. May our Sister Kathleen rest in peace.