Obituary of Sr. Catherine Joseph Croghan CSJ

SR. CATHERINE JOSEPH CROGHAN CSJ Latham-Sister Catherine Joseph Croghan, CSJ, 79, died Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham, NY. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 60 years. Sister Catherine, christened Julia Ann Croghan, was born in Utica, NY, on July 31, 1942, daughter of the late John and Catherine Doherty Croghan. Both of her beloved parents were born in County Galway, Ireland. Sister Catherine graduated from St. Francis de Sales Elementary and High School in Utica. Sister Catherine entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 15, 1960 and professed final vows on August 6, 1968. After receiving a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in education, both from The College of Saint Rose, Sister Catherine taught for 21 years in schools of the Syracuse Dioceses. In 1993, she began years of parish ministry, including parish secretary, parish associate and director of religious education in St. John's Parish and St. Joseph-St. Patrick Parishes, Utica. In 2014, Sister Catherine retired to St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Sister Catherine Joseph began her ministry as a dedicated teacher who loved her young primary school children. In her later ministry years, she equally dedicated herself in parish ministry. Serving God's people in any capacity she could brought Sister Catherine immense joy. Through much of her life, Sister Catherine combined family ministry to her elderly parents with her teaching and parish ministry. Her love for both the old and the young enabled her to share her life with so many, always putting the needs of others before her own. Outgoing and proud of her Irish heritage, Sister Catherine generously shared her Irish wit with everyone who knew her. Very open and honest, she could bring laughter to any person or group. A faithful friend, she kept in touch with her loved ones, near and far. Even with the limitations of her own aging, Sister Catherine's spirituality and dependence on prayer were an inspiration to all whose lives she touched. Sister Catherine is survived by her beloved siblings: her sister, Mary, and brother-in-law, Jim Wilcox of New Hartford; her brother Edd and sister-in-law, Linda Croghan of Clinton; her sister, Joan (Sister Catherine Sean Croghan), of Amsterdam; her brother, Fr. John P. Croghan of Utica; her sister-in-law, Lynne, widow of Sister Catherine's brother, Tom; many nieces and nephews and their families; many dear friends with special mention of Fr. Richard O'Neill, Fr. Paul Drobin, and the Sisters with whom Sister Catherine entered the congregation and who will be celebrating their 60th jubilee this March, especially Sister Karen Theresa Gaube whose daily visits brought Sister Catherine so much joy. In addition to her parents, Sister Catherine was predeceased by her brother, Tom Croghan; and her dear friends, Fr. John Flanagan and Fr. David Looney. Due to the continued health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation or funeral services for Sister Catherine Joseph at this time. A Memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date. For directions, information, or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.