Sister Kathleen Mae Boyd, SSMO

Entering the work force on the cusp of the computer age, Sr. Kathleen worked in the data management field at the Portland Police Department, Tektronix, and Portland Data Entry Service Bureau. She furthered her expertise augmented through the Tektronix education program.

In 1983, Sr. Kathleen entered the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon. She professed final vows on August 15, 1990 and celebrated her 25th Jubilee in July 2008. Her ministry in the SSMO community was focused on the various business aspects of the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon campus. From 1985 to her retirement in 2005, Sr. Kathleen served in assorted business roles: recording and managing of the financial records for the SMV Music Department and SMV/Valley Catholic High School, working as the Motherhouse Insurance Officer, and ministering as receptionist at the Motherhouse and at Maryville Care Center. From 1996 to 2000, Sr. Kathleen used her extensive data management background to effectively direct the upgrading of the SSMO Development Office Data Management program. Even with these professional accomplishments, Sr. Kathleen recalled the “Best Year of My Life” as the time she served in the bakery of the SSMO Motherhouse.

Sr. Kathleen’s presence was dominated by humor. “Laughter is good for the soul,” she would frequently say. Then, she would add, “Laugh at yourself once in a while. God does—just look in a mirror!” A skilled artist, Sr. Kathleen produced collections of art works. Combining watercolor or colored pencil with calligraphy, she created practical bookmarks and beautiful pieces to adorn walls within the Motherhouse. Sr. Kathleen’s great artistic talents were a source of joy for her SSMO Sisters. Through the years, her sharp mind produced successful solutions for her ever-ready puzzle books. Her shared talents, compassion, prayer, service, and joy-filled presence radiated the charism of the SSMO Community, to be a compassionate joyful servant of the Lord.

Sister Kathleen passed away on April 21, 2022 and is missed, loved and survived by her Sisters in Community, her brother Mervyn (Beaverton), her sister-in-law Barbara Boyd, caregivers and nursing staff, and many dear friends. Sr. Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents William and Veronica (Tatom) Boyd, her sister Germaine Woolsey, and by her brothers Elmer, Donald, LeRoy and Bernard Boyd.

May she rest in God’s loving embrace!