Sister Catherine McCarthy, CSJ (formerly Sister Myra) died peacefully at the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Residence, 2 O’Connor Drive, Toronto, Ontario on Wednesday, November 18, 2020, in the 77th year of her religious life. Mary Catherine Edna McCarthy was born on May 18, 1926 in Three Rivers, Quebec to Thomas Leo McCarthy and Clara Francis Quinn both from New Brunswick.

She is predeceased by her parents, and her sisters Patricia and Philomena. She is survived by her sisters Myra, Esther, Theresa, and Loretta and brothers, Gordon and Neil.

Sister Catherine will be sadly missed by her family members, friends, and Sisters in community. Sister Catherine entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto on September 7, 1944. Following her Novitiate, she pursued the teaching profession and served as teacher and principal in various places in Ontario, British Columbia, and in Hong Kong. With a background in pastoral ministry and theology, Sister Catherine, trained lay people to become lay leaders in parishes where there were no priests available in Northern Vancouver Island.

As well, together with other Sisters in community, Sister Catherine established the Spirituality Centre for Christian Living at St. Joseph’s Morrow Park. Later in life, she did volunteer work at Morrow Park Infirmary, St. Michael’s Hospital and Fontbonne Ministries as a pastoral visitor. In all these ministries, Sr. Catherine will be remembered for her creativity, joy, enthusiasm and wonderful wit.

As Sister Catherine’s health declined, she was cared for with compassion and love by the staff at the St. Joseph’s Residence. May she rest in peace.