Sister Catherine Maureen Larkin

Sister Catherine Maureen Larkin died on September 3, 2026, and was buried on September 14, 2026, at Saint Joseph Villa. Catherine’s Living History offers us such rich insight into the woman we celebrate today. She lovingly recalled growing up in a happy family with her brothers, Tommy, Billy, and Walter, and her dear sister, Patsy. Her parents, Catherine and Patrick, were proud of their Irish heritage and their Catholic faith. They created a faith-filled home where, in Catherine’s own words, she experienced “love and affection from my entire family.”

In this warm environment, young Catherine gradually became aware of God’s call to religious life. That call was steady and persistent, and in 1950 she freely chose to enter the congregation. From the very beginning, the Sisters of Saint Joseph came to know and love her for her joy, her kindness, her grateful heart, her willingness to serve, and, above all, her deep faith.

Catherine soon began her ministry in education, serving in both elementary and high schools. In recent days, former students have shared memories of her on our Facebook page, remembering especially her kindness.

Her generous heart was also evident when she requested a leave of absence to care for her mother. For nine years, with her siblings’ help, Catherine lovingly cared for her mother. She sadly recounted her mother’s gradual decline following each of her strokes, but she always added how blessed she was to have been able to be with her. Each year, Catherine wrote to our Congregational President expressing her gratitude for the freedom to care for her mother and for the loving support of her Sisters. Even in this, we see Catherine’s grateful heart. When she was ready to return to congregational service, she did so joyfully, serving as a school secretary and volunteered wherever she was needed. When Catherine eventually made the Villa her home, she fully embraced a new ministry—a ministry of prayer and presence.

Once again, Catherine rejoiced in experiencing God’s presence. Perhaps that was the secret of her joy: she knew she was never alone. God was with her—in the classroom, in caring for her mother, in her ministry, in the Villa, and in all the ordinary moments of her life. Catherine truly embraced our Maxim 73: “Live out your life with one desire only: to be always what God wants you to be, in nature, grace, and glory, for time and for eternity.”

May you now rest peacefully in the loving presence of the God you knew so well and loved so deeply. We ask you to remember us, to pray for us, and to encourage us to live lives of loving and joyful service. Rest in peace, dear Catherine.