Obituary of Sr. Kathleen Flanagan, SC

Sister  Kathleen Flanagan, 82, (formerly Sister Christopher Mary) a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth, died January 6, 2025, at Complete Care at St. Vincent’s, Cedar Grove, NJ.

Sister Kathleen was born in Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of Andrew and Irene (Finley) Flanagan. She entered the Sisters of Charity on September 6, 1960, and was a member for 64 years.

Sister Kathy graduated from the College of Saint Elizabeth, (University) Convent Station, New Jersey with B.A. degree in History, from St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN, with a M.A. degree in Historical Theology, from Union Theological Seminary, Manhattan, NY with a M.Phil. degree in Theology and a Ph.D. degree in Theology specializing in Church History. Her dissertation focused on the spirituality of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, foundress of the Sisters of Charity in the United States. During her sabbatical time, Sister Kathy studied at the American College of Louvain in Belgium and Weston School of Theology, Boston, MA.

After several years as a teacher at St. Augustine School, Union City, NJ and St. Cecilia High School Englewood, NJ, Sister Kathy began her long and inspirational ministry in higher education, primarily at the College (University) of St. Elizabeth and Barry University, Miami, Florida.
 

Sister Kathy served for almost thirty years at St. Elizabeth’s University. Initially as Instructor in Religious Studies, she later held positions of Professor of Theology, Chairperson of the Philosophy/Religious Studies Department, Director of the Master’s in Theology Program and Director of Ministry Programs. Sister Kathy and Dr. Harriet Sepinwall, Professor of Education, History, and Interdisciplinary Studies, founded the Holocaust Education Resource Center at Sant Elizabeth’s University, and served as Co-Directors. Sister Kathy also taught in the Permanent Diaconate programs in the Dioceses of Paterson and Metuchen, New Jersey.

At Barry University, Sister Kathy served as Assistant Professor of Religious Studies. During that time, she also served as an Adjunct Professor at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary, Boynton Beach, Florida.

Sister Kathy actively participated in the Sisters of Charity Federation. She served on the Seton Writings Committee and was a sought-after presenter about the life and spirituality of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton as well as other topics related to theology and spirituality. Sister Kathy was an active volunteer with the Blessed Miriam Teresa League, Convent Station, NJ, providing education to many people about the life and spirituality of Blessed Miriam Teresa Demjanovich, SC, a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth.

Sister Kathy’s formal study of theology deeply touched her heart, her personal spirituality, and her daily life. She continually strived to live the call to “Boundless Charity.” She spoke of her trust in God’s grace and her dependence on the support of community to grow in her expression of the Charism of Charity.

Sister Kathy is survived by her Sisters of Charity community, her sister Maureen Flanagan and many devoted friends, former colleagues, and students.

The wake for Sister Kathleen Flanagan will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM at Holy Family Chapel, Convent Station, NJ. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM and will be livestreamed. Burial in Holy Family Cemetery, Convent Station will immediately follow the mass. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of S. J. Priola Funeral Home, Lake Hiawatha, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Sister Kathleen Flanagan to the Sisters of Charity Development Fund, P.O. Box 476, Convent Station, NJ, 07961-0476, would be appreciated.