Sister Mary Celestine Kavanagh, CCVI

Sister Celestine was born in Cranmore, Co. Carlow, Ireland in 1933 to James and Julia (Brennan) Kavanagh. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word on June 29, 1959 at St. Michael Convent, Co. Clare, Ireland. She made her Perpetual Profession of Vows on August 15, 1967.

Sister’s academic preparation began at City General Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, where she trained professionally as a nurse. She later became board certified in Texas as a registered nurse. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Dominican College, Houston. She continued with her studies and earned a Master of Arts degree in social work from San Diego State University, San Diego, California.

Sister served joyfully in ministry first as a nurse, then as a social worker, and finally as a patient representative. Sister also answered the call to minister in Africa. Among the CCVI, Sr. Celestine was the pioneer in Kenya as she served the people of East Pokot, diocese of Nakuru as Public Health Project Leader. Wherever she served, her patients were grateful for her gentle, kind, and caring disposition.

Sister Celestine is survived by a brother, Matthew Kavanagh of England, and numerous nephews and nieces in Ireland and New Zealand.

We extend a special thanks to the Sisters and staff for their gentle and loving care during Sister’s later years.

Sister Celestine’s body will be received at the Immaculate Conception Chapel, Villa de Matel, 6510 Lawndale Street, Houston, Texas at 5:00 p.m. on August 16th, 2023, followed by Evening Praise and a celebration of her life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on August 17th, 2023. A Rite of Committal will follow at Villa de Matel Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.earthmanbellaire.com for the Kavanagh family.