Sister Mary Kathryn of the Heart of Jesus

Our Sister Mary Kathryn Keklak, a beloved member of the Carmel of the Holy Family for 76 years, died peacefully on Sunday, July 28, 2024, at Regina Health Center in Richfield, Ohio. Her Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Chapel of the Holy Family at Regina Health Center on August 5.

Mary K. was born on July 16,1928, on the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Hastings, Pennsylvania, to parents of Russian/Eastern European ancestry. She had three brothers and three sisters. After some work experience in New York City and Cleveland, Mary K. entered Carmel at the age of 19 in 1948.

Mary K. appreciated the solitary dimension of Carmelite life, but she was also an engaged community member. She loved all of God's creation and found joy in tending her shady garden. Mary K. was an avid learner, independently studying process theology and authoring at least two articles for the national Catholic magazine, Spiritual Life.

Mary K. moved with the community to the present Arlington Road monastery in 2019. After breaking her arm, Mary K. realized that she needed more care and moved to Regina Health Center.

Mary K. received loving and compassionate care at Regina and died peacefully knowing she was deeply loved by her community, family, and friends.


                                                                                                                                                                
                                                                   
                                                                                                    
                                                                    
                                                                                  

   

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