(1939-2024)

Sister Mary Katherine Dolan, formerly known as Sister Sean Marie, died on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Dominican Life Center in Adrian. She was 85 years of age and in the 66th year of her religious profession in the Adrian Dominican Congregation.

Sister Mary Katherine was born in Chicago to John P. and Marie (Haley) Dolan. She graduated from the Academy of Our Lady in Chicago and received a bachelor’s degree in history from Siena Heights College (University) in Adrian; a master’s degree in history from Loyola University (Loyola Marymount) of Los Angeles, California; and a Master of Divinity degree in pastoral ministry from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.

Sister ministered for 48 years in education, community organization, administration, and pastoral work in Los Angeles, Santa Cruz, and Oakland, California; Douglas and Tucson, Arizona; St. Louis, Missouri; and Chicago, Illinois. She was the principal of Holy Cross School in Santa Cruz, California, from 1967 to 1973; the administrator of the Women’s Residence at Grace House in Chicago for 17 years; and staff director at St. Louis Association-Community Organization in St. Louis, Missouri, for 11 years. 

Sister Mary Katherine became a resident of the Dominican Life Center in Adrian in 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John. She is survived by two brothers, Thomas Dolan (Carol) and Lawrence Dolan; other loving family members; and her Adrian Dominican Sisters.

Visitation will be from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2024, in the gathering space of St. Catherine Chapel. The Vigil Prayer will be at 7:00 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2024, in St. Catherine Chapel. A Funeral Mass will be offered in St. Catherine Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. Prayers of Committal will be held in the Congregation Cemetery. 

Those who are not attending services in person are welcome to participate via live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. 

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Recording of Sister Mary Katherine's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Mary Katherine's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

 

LEFT: Thomas and Mary Katherine, June 1943. RIGHT: First Holy Communion, circa 1948.

LEFT: Senior photo, Academy of Our Lady, 1957. MIDDLE LEFT: Mary Katherine Dolan as a Postulant. MIDDLE RIGHT: Christmas 1960. RIGHT: Sisters Mary Katherine Dolan, left, and Ann Patrice Remkus at a 1996 Golden Jubilee celebration in Hometown, Illinois.

LEFT: Members of the Portfolio Advisory Board, August 1991, are: back row, from left, Sisters Frances Lombaer, Frances Nadolny, Maureen Fenlon, Juliann Flynn, Marion Coppe, and Carol Coston; middle row, from left, Sisters Corinne Florek, Attracta Kelly, Mary Katherine Dolan, Annette Sinagra, and Marion Goeddeke; and front row, from left, Sisters Patricia Reno, Judith Rimbey, Marie Michael, and Maureen Comer. RIGHT: Sister Mary Katherine as a community organizer in East Oakland, California.

Members of the 2018 Diamond Jubilee Crowd are: back row, from left, Sisters Margaret Exworthy, Judith Ann Nelson, Patricia Siemen (Prioress), and Rita Eileen Dean; fourth row, from left, Sisters Mary Anne Yanz, Charlotte Anne Swift, and Joan Hinz; third row, from left, Sisters Patricia Dulka, Iva Gregory, Marilyn Barnett, and Attracta Kelly; second row, from left, Sisters Mary Katherine Dolan, Maureen Fenlon, Patricia Stellmah, Beverly Stark, and Annette Marie Sinagra; and front row, from left, Sisters Kathleen Clausen, Mary Miday, Maria Odelia Romero, Carol Bollin, Veronica Kelley, and Sharon Beckmann.

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