Written on: November 16, 2016
Please join us as we mourn the death of our Sister Mary Kathleen Duggan who went home to her Lord on Tuesday, November 15, 2016
The funeral arrangements for Sister Mary Kathleen Duggan, are as follows:
The viewing and funeral Mass will be Friday November 18, 2016 at the Provincialate of the Holy Redeemer Sisters on 521 Moredon Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA. Viewing 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. The liturgy will be celebrated by Father Tim Judge. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.
Sister Mary Kathleen Duggan, GNSH died on November 15, 2016 at Lafayette Redeemer in the 67th year of her religious life. Born August 15, 1926 to John and Marguerita (Frisbee) Duggan in North Tonawanda, NY, Sister Mary Kathleen had a distinguished career in education.
She graduated from North Tonawanda High School and earned a BA in English from DYC. Her MA in English Language and Literature and PhD in English Language and Literature were received from St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO.
Prior to entering the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart in 1949 she taught English and Latin at Holy Angels Academy (HAA) for two years after graduating from D’Youville College. She returned to Holy Angels Academy again as teacher in 1973, and later as Assistant Principal in 1981. Two years later she began twelve years as Principal. She was also an instructor at D’Youville College in the 1950’s and professor of English from 1962 to 1973. She returned once more to D’Youville as archivist in 1996, a position she held through 2007. Additional assignments include ten years at Melrose Academy in Philadelphia, inclusive of three as Principal. She served as Assistant Superior General for the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart from 1975-1979.
She is predeceased by her parents, brothers, Msgr. Robert D, Rev. Daniel G, Msgr. John M and James E Duggan and a sister, Lucille M Breier. In addition to her religious congregation, she is survived by her sister, Sister Margaret Mary Duggan, SSMN and several nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Beck-Givnish Funeral Homes, Inc. Memorial donations in Sister’s memory may be made online to the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, or by mail at the following address:14500 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116.
Sister Mary Kathleen was one of the finest people I have ever known; it’s sad to hear she has passed away. My time at Holy Angels Academy under Sister Mary Kathleen’s leadership was precious, and certainly provided a strong foundation for the woman I am today. God bless you, Sr. Mary Kathleen
Sr. Mary Kathleen was a wonderful soul and I am certainly blessed by having known her. Her smile, infectious laugh and optimistic outlook were a gift to the world around her. I can think of no better way to honor her than to emulate those qualities too. God bless and may all the angels and saints welcome you home Sister.
I graduated from HAA in 1989 and Sr. Mary Kathleen was my principal all four years. She was always so kind and caring and willing to lend a helping hand. She was truly a blessing to so many young women.
There was nobody like Sr. Mary Kathleen. Her optimism was relentless- and irresistible. I will always be grateful for her place in my life.
Deepest sympathies for the loss of Sister Mary Kathleen.
I wanted to share this YouTube video in honor of Sr. Mary Kathleen. I had a chance to interview her for Holy Angels Academy’s 2012 Gala. This video was created with some great remarks she made as a former leader of the school.
https://youtu.be/BvwIObyGeJk
Beautiful Video!! Thanks for sharing
Amazing! Thank you for sharing Eileen!
As a graduate of HAA in 1996, Sr. Mary Kathleen has a special place in my heart. She helped shape the woman I became and I think of her often.