Sister Catherine Doyle, CSJ, (Sister John Elizabeth), 86, died Jan. 29, 2015 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House,
Latham. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 69 years.
Sister Catherine was born on February 26, 1928 in Gloversville, N.Y., daughter of the late John and Elizabeth O’Connell Doyle. After graduating from St. Mary’s Institute, Amsterdam, she entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Troy, N.Y., on March 19, 1946 and professed her final vows on
Aug. 15, 1951.
Sister Catherine received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The College of Saint Rose and a master’s degree in theology from Providence College. She taught for 31 years in schools of the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses, including the following: St. Joseph’s School, Troy; Blessed Sacrament School, Syracuse; St. Joseph’s School, Fort Edward; Sacred Heart School, Troy; St. Columba’s School, Schenectady; St. Peter’s School, Troy; St. Mary’s School, Hoosick Falls; and St. Luke’s School, Schenectady. In addition, Sister Catherine was novice director for the Sisters of St. Joseph and served in pastoral care at Upstate Medical/Crouse Irving Hospital and SUNY Health Center, Syracuse, and St. Mary’s Health Care, Amsterdam. For the last 12 years of her active ministry, Sister Catherine was a parish minister in St. Daniel’s Parish, Syracuse. In 2010, she moved to St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham, where she volunteered in the Carondelet Hospitality Center.
Sister Catherine was a gracious, lovely woman whose beauty shone from the inside out. An excellent educator, she was known for her organization, creativity and ingenuity in teaching and for her patient understanding of each child. Sister Catherine equipped her students with the tools to overcome obstacles and encouraged them to reach their potential. Gifted with a warm, gentle and empathetic spirit, she was a compassionate hospital chaplain and parish minister to the sick and elderly. Whether accompanying a person in his/her sickness or sitting with a family, Sister Catherine’s very presence comforted the suffering.
She was an avid reader, an engaging conversationalist, an enthusiastic visitor to Cape Cod and the Adirondack Mountains and a loyal follower of Syracuse University basketball. Sister Catherine’s reflective mind and expansive heart overflowed with love for her family, her friends and her religious community, and her loss will be greatly felt.
Sister Catherine is survived by her sister, Sheila (J. Harry) Tiernan of Miami, Fla.; her brothers, Francis (Gina) Doyle of Euless, Texas, and Lawrence (Karen) Doyle of Marlton, N.J.; her sister-in-law and dear friend, Jane Doyle, of Lunenburg, Mass.; their families; many friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph. In addition to her parents, Sister Catherine was predeceased by her brother, John, and many beloved friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Sister Catherine’s funeral was held on Feb. 3, at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham and interment followed at Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds.
Contributions in Sister Catherine’s memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.
