Sr. Catherine Elizabeth Kelly

The death of Sister Catherine Elizabeth Kelly (Sister M. Columba) of Saint John, NB, occurred on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at Ruth Ross Residence. Sister Catherine was born in Saint John, NB, and was a daughter of the late William and Catherine (Higgins) Kelly. Catherine was educated in Saint John and graduated from St. Vincent’s Girls’ High School. She entered the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception on September 8, 1946. After Catherine finished her novitiate and teacher training, she received her New Brunswick Teachers’ License. Sister M. Columba began her teaching ministry in 1949 at Holy Trinity School and St. Vincent’s Girls’ High School where she was Vice-Principal from 1965 to 1972. During these years she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from UNB, her Master of Arts Degree from University of Notre Dame. Ind, USA, her Master of Arts Degree from UNB and her PhD in English at UNB in 1978 and she continued teaching at UNBSJ until 1984. In 1984 Sister was missioned to Edmonton, Alberta where she studied at Newman Theological College and continued on as Registrar at the College until 1988. Sister returned to Fredericton and was a Lecturer at St. Thomas University from 1988-1992, and Assistant Professor from 1992-1995. After a sabbatical, she began research for the Sisters of Charity’s Archives. She continued her research while living at Ruth Ross Residence, where she also played the organ for liturgical services. She is survived by brothers, J. William (Kay) Kelly and Father Patrick Joseph Kelly; nephews, Stephen (Mary Jane) Kelly, Pat (Christine) Kelly and Michael (Anne) Kelly; several nieces and three nephews; four grand-nieces; four grand-nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by one sister, Sister Margaret Kelly scic.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, 2014 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in Carmel Chapel, Ruth Ross Residence. Prayer Vigil will be Monday at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 10:00 am in Carmel Chapel, Ruth Ross Residence followed by interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo Street, Saint John, NB (634-1965). Online remembrances and condolences may be placed at www.fitzpatrickfh.com.