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Kathleen (Ann Dorothy) Israel, IHM

Sister Kathleen Israel, IHM, died Nov. 20, 2021 at her home, the IHM Senior Living Community.

Kathleen Marie Israel was born on March 5, 1923 to Walter and Loretta “Effie” (Walsh) Israel in Detroit and baptized at St. Cecelia. She attended the parish schools, graduating in 1941. The following month, Kathleen entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Monroe and received the religious name Sister Ann Dorothy.

Sister Kathleen entered elementary education, teaching in Monroe at Hall of the Divine Child and St. Joseph. Her teaching ministry focused on elementary education throughout Michigan at St. Frederik and St. Vincent Pontiac; Gesu, Epiphany, St. Catherine, St. Raymond and St. Vincent, Detroit; St. John, Jackson; St. Joseph, Dexter; St. Michael, Flint, and St. Bede, Southfield.

Her own education included a Bachelor’s Degree from Marygrove College, Master of Art degree from the University of Detroit and Pastoral Ministry certification by the Archdiocese of Detroit. Throughout her working career, she continued to be educated in multiple areas of interest through continuing education classes and workshops.

After 30-plus years in Catholic elementary education, Sister Kathleen spent a year in hospital ministry, and a year teaching at Nativity School, Hollywood, Florida. Returning to Michigan, she began in pastoral/parish ministry at St. Ephrem, Sterling Heights; St. Joseph, Lake Orion and for many years at St. Linus, Dearborn Heights, and St. Louise, Warren.

Sister Kathleen returned to Monroe in 1997, living at Norman Towers and volunteering in community needs. In 2005, she moved to the Motherhouse.

Sister Kathleen is survived by her sister Dorothy Saunders, niece Barbara Johnson and her sisters in community. She was preceded in death by brother Walter and sisters, Virginia Ryan and Bernice Lauchner.

Read Sister Kathleen’s Remembering here.