Sister Catherina Walsh, BVM
Sister Catherina Walsh, BVM, 90 died Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
Visitation, the Sharing of Memories and Mass of Christian Burial were on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Burial was in the Mount Carmel cemetery.
Sister Catherina was born on Dec. 2, 1930, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Arthur and Rita (Ryan) Walsh. She entered the BVM congregation Sept 8, 1950, from Nativity Parish, Dubuque. She professed first vows on March 19, 1953, and final vows on July 16, 1958.
Sister Catherina was an elementary teacher at St. Dorothy and St. Dominic in Chicago, and Immaculate Conception in Rapid City, S.D. She ministered as a junior high teacher at St. Anthony in Casper, Wyo., and at Jordan Junior High in Rock Island, Ill., where she also served as vice-principal. She ministered as principal at Corpus Christi in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
“St. Paul encouraged the Philippians to focus on what is ‘honorable . . . just . . . pure . . . lovely . . . [and] gracious.’ (Philippians 4:8). This is how Catherina lived. She looked for the ‘excellence,’ she sought that which was ‘worthy of praise.’ In doing so, she touched the lives of countless students, families, colleagues, and surely her BVM sisters, probably more deeply than she ever realized.” (Eulogy, Oct. 7, 2021).
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother James Walsh, sisters Ellen (Bob) Schlueter, Mary Anne (Werner) Pufahl, and Katherine “Kathy” Walsh. She is survived by a brother Michael (Mary Alice) Walsh, Dubuque, Iowa; a sister-in-law Geraldine “Geri” Walsh, Dubuque, Iowa; nieces; nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 71 years.
Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or online.
Download Eulogy Download Sharing of Memories
The world for me is a lot less bright. She was a real motivator. She and Sr Paulina Sullivan have help me so much in life. I can never repay such a debt. She reminded me to alway move forward, do my best, and pray. I will miss her.
Sister Mary Catherina-A Perspective:
Sister Mary Catherina Walsh was devoted to God, her BVM community, her family, parochial education, her students, her beloved Cubbies and Sister Paulina.
She was the perfect balance of wisdom,
wit, humor, and concern for others. I can still hear her hearty laugh!
Even though she spent years of teaching away from Dubuque she was a frequent visitor at most family functions, and showed a special interest in all her nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews and their children. She knew every one and their interests. I also had the good fortune of calling her my “Godmother.”
When we lived on Stetmore Street, Sister would pitch whiffle balls to us in the backyard.
Then after dinner she would tell us all about the train rides to Rapid City and Casper- At 9 years old that was impressive!
Catherina was a great role model of her Christian faith life dedicating herself to service, education and prayer putting her charisms into action.
Sister provided Judy with an easy transition into her role as pastoral counselor, affording her insights into community life and assisting her with developing wonderful relationships within the BVM community. As a friend and relative of Catherina she was already accepted, welcomed and encouraged.
We are grateful for our cherished memories of Catherina’s love, service and fidelity and thankful for her BVM family. Death has no hold on her as we release her onto the arms of her Salvation.
Dave and Judy Walsh
Sister Mary Catherina was my 8th grade teacher at St. Anthony’s School in Casper. (I would love to have heard her stories about the train rides from Dubuque to Casper!) I loved sister from when I first met her as a 5th grader. She was in charge of the Altar boys. I looked forward to the day that I might be her 8A classroom! Finally the day came on the first day of school and my name was called and I found out I was in her class!
When I decided to enter the minor seminary, I need letters of reference from two teachers. I remember one day the rector called me in and said, “you know, those sisters sure did love you! I just read their letters of reference.” So, in many ways I count Sister Mary Catherina as one of the sources of my vocation.
Over the years we would email each other in her retirement.
I remembered her in my Liturgies this past Sunday and will in the future! May her memory be eternal! Thank you Sister, for everything.
Sr. Catherina was one of my teachers in the 1980’s at Jordan Junior High School in Rock Island, IL. She was a great teacher who taught me (and my brothers and sisters) to be disciplined and respectful. I reconnected with Sister about 10 years ago, we chatted a few times over the phone and she remembered her Jordan days very well. My family and I have good memories of her – she was an inspiration to all families at Jordan.
Wish I knew she lived in Dubuque. Would have spent time visiting with her. She was one of my favorite teachers at Jordan. I remember visiting her after coming home from basic training. Great person and teacher. She will be missed.