Sister Kathleen (Johnine) McGrath, BVM
Sister Kathleen (Johnine) McGrath, BVM, 84, died Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at Mount Carmel Bluffs in Dubuque, Iowa.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. Burial is in the Mount Carmel Cemetery.
She was born on July 10, 1937, in San Francisco to John and Mae (Culhane) McGrath. She entered the BVM congregation Sept. 8, 1955, from Epiphany Parish, San Francisco. She professed first vows on Feb. 3, 1958, and final vows on July 16, 1963.
Sister Kathleen was a nutritionist at Mercy Medical Center and food service supervisor at Mount Carmel, both in Dubuque, Iowa. She also ministered as convent cook in Clinton, Iowa, and food service director at a family support center in Santa Rosa, Calif.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Eugene and William McGrath, and special cousin Jack Noonan. She is survived by a sister Sister Jarlath McGrath, OP, Fremont, Calif.; a sister-in-law Shirley McGrath, Norwich, Conn.; special cousin Frank (Lois) Noonan, San Rafael, Calif.; nieces and nephews; and the Sisters of Charity, BVM, with whom she shared life for 65 years.
Memorials may be given to Sisters of Charity, BVM Support Fund, 1100 Carmel Drive, Dubuque, IA 52003 or make an online gift.
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Sr. Kathleen was a rock at Catholic Charities’ shelter for families experiencing homelessness. I’ll never forget the story of how Sr. Kathleen worked over the course of years with one particular family, supporting them and guiding them each time they struggled to stay on their own feet, until finally it “stuck” and they were able to maintain their housing from that point forward. She recognized that each person’s journey is unique, and God calls us to walk that journey patiently, supporting people on their path. She did that with such calm grace and kindness, and she will always be remembered by those whose lives she touched.
Sister Kathleen lived approximately 20 years in Sonoma Co. and served at St. Joseph Church, Cotati as a Eucharistic Minister. She also worked and volunteered at Catholic Charities in Santa Rosa and at their Family Support Homeless Shelter.
With her kind and generous heart she ran our giving tree program at St. Joseph, getting people’s names in shelters and in great need, clothes, gifts, gift cards at Christmas and throughout the year. She also promoted programs with other parishioners for food, shelter and clothing for refugees from other countries. Our St. Joseph Men’s Club have two College Scholarships in her name for youth.
Her support of The Sonoma County Food Bank outreach for people facing hunger is astounding. She encouraged others to assist her in packing bags and boxes with food and she delivered them herself, with volunteers, weekly, in a truck throughout the county.
Sister Kathleen was a woman of integrity, great faith, humility and influence. She respected everyone she met and served all in need with respectful human dignity. Sister Kathleen’s kindness was characteristic of a life spent sharing God’s love and goodness to each person she met. We will miss her beautiful soul but know she is a treasured Angel at peace in heaven.
I will always remember all of the good times Going to the Giants games, bunco and book club. She was my boss at the Family Support Center as well as a good friend and a shoulder to cry on when needed. I will miss you always.
My friendship with Sr. Kathleen began when she was sent to Marian Hall to work with SM Joel Kramer in the Dietetic Dept. We were only two sets apart so knew each other a little. Through those years of shared living, working, playing and praying together we became close friends along with Sr. Joel, Rita Mary Benz, Sr. M. Thomasette. After we all went our separate ways we kept in touch. Being a part of Marian Hall was different than any other mission in the community where you are so close to those preparing for their next most important mission. It was a joyous place and Kathleen was a huge part of that joy, love and sharing. She was so loved by all of us along with her employees, friends and anyone who she touched. She was always there doing her job, finding people who needed that little
extra boost or time to talk. Kathleen was one of the most selfless other centered persons I’ve known. She will be so missed by us all. Her service, her smile, her fun side, her holiness and her BVM spirit. How lucky I was to have known her. Safe home dear friend!
🎶I’ll take you home again Kathleen , to where your heart will feel no pain…and when the fields are fresh & green, I will take you to your home Kathleen.🎶
Kathleen,
Your family in Ireland and here in the U.S.A. that went before you welcome you with open arms. We feel great sorrow, but you are with your mom, dad and your brothers and my brother Jack (say hello for us), and that gives us enormous comfort.
You are one of God’s special people and the world will be a little darker without you. We love you and miss you already. I am so proud to be your cousin.
Frank Noonan and family