Sister Kathleen Carew, OP

Sister Kathleen Carew, OP, 61, of Sacred Heart Convent, died peacefully at 9:20 a.m. on Sunday, April 23, 2006 at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Springfield. Sister Kathleen was born May 2, 1944 in Aurora, IL the daughter of John and June Evans Carew. Sister Kathleen graduated from Madonna High School, Aurora in June 1962; she was accepted as a postulant (candidate) by the Springfield Dominican Sisters in September 1962 and she professed her vows in 1964. In 1973, then known as Sister Anne Joachim, Sister Kathleen received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from St. Joseph College in Rensselaer, IN. For 11 years, Sister Kathleen taught in Catholic parish elementary schools: St. Lawrence O’Toole, Matteson; St. Paul, Odell; St. Joseph, Bradley and St. Edward, Chicago. As a teacher in the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, a religious education program of the Springfield Diocese, she taught in the rural areas of Hillsboro, Carlinville, Ashland, Franklin and Murrayville for 5 years. In most recent years, Sister enjoyed being a kindergarten teacher assistant at St. Agnes School, Springfield. When ill health caused Sister Kathleen to retire to the Motherhouse, she seriously accepted her ministry of suffering and prayer. Her keen insights and wonderful sense of humor were a means of support not only for the sisters with whom she lived and the regular visiting Sacred Heart Griffin High School students, but also for the recipients of her many letters which included family and friends. Sister also enjoyed reading and continued to be an enthusiastic card player. Sister Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents; her sister: Carolyn; and her brother: Paul. She is survived by two brothers: John Carew and Tom (wife, Kim) Carew both of Aurora, IL; two sisters: Sister Therese Carew, OSF (Franciscan) of Wabash, IN and Ann (husband, Richard) Grant of Aiken, SC; several nieces and nephews; and by her Dominican Sisters with whom she lived and ministered for 43 years. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Convent Motherhouse, 1237 W. Monroe, Springfield. A Vigil Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at Sacred Heart Convent with Rev. Peter Witchousky, OP, as presider. Final Commendation and Burial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at the Sacred Heart Convent Motherhouse. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. The family and Dominican Sisters of Sister Kathleen Carew are being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.