A lively wit and a warm personality together with a quiet sense of determination enabled Sister Kathleen to excel in professional and personal relationships.
Sister Kathleen McKiernan (Sister Dolores Elizabeth) was born February 8, 1934, in Manhattan, one of seven children, three daughters and four sons, of Patrick and Elizabeth Cogan McKiernan. Kathleen attended Ascension Elementary and Cathedral High School, both in Manhattan, before entering the Sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1951.
Sister Kathleen received her RN after attending Saint Vincent’s Hospital School of Nursing, Manhattan. A BS in Nursing from Hunter College, an MA in Medical/Surgical Nursing from New York University and a Master of Education (Ed.M) in Supervision and Nursing Services from Teachers College of Columbia University followed. Additionally, she was awarded New York State Permanent Certification in the fields of Nursing Home Administrator, Gerontology and Nursing Administration.
Sister Kathleen committed fifty-three years of active service to the healing ministry of nursing through a variety of fields. For three years she worked as a staff nurse and assistant head nurse at Saint Vincent’s Hospital, Manhattan. For nine years she used her skills and education for the training of future nurses as an instructor of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology at Saint Vincent’s School of Nursing and, later, as its Associate Director. She also served as Associate Director of the School of Nursing at Saint Vincent Hospital, Staten Island, and joined the Adjunct Faculty at Pace University, Manhattan, in the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
Sister Kathleen’s abilities, training and experience made her well-suited to serve for forty-one years as an administrator of various nursing programs and services. During these years, she directed the Nursing Service of Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Yonkers, and, at intervals for a total of nineteen years, was Administrative Coordinator of Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry. She also directed the accreditation services of the New York City office of the National Association of Practical Nurse Education and Service, and fulfilled the roles of both a Supervisor and Branch Chief of Survey and Certification for the Federal Department of Health and Human Services Finance Administration in the New York area. In addition, she offered volunteer services at the Westchester County YWCA Children’s Center in White Plains and, in her retirement years, at a Lifeway Network safe house. In 2020, Sister Kathleen retired at Mount Saint Vincent Convent, the Bronx.
A lively wit and a warm personality together with a quiet sense of determination enabled Sister Kathleen to excel in professional and personal relationships. She always remained close to her family and faithful to her friends. The strains of an Irish step-dance would set her feet tapping as she led any gathering to the dance floor. May she rejoice now with all those who preceded her into the heavenly kingdom. Blessings on you, Sister Kathleen, faithful Sister of Charity.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Kathleen was offered on September 4, 2020, at St. Margaret of Cortona Church in Riverdale, New York. A moving eulogy was offered by Sister Kathleen’s dear friend, Sister Karen Helfenstein. Click here to watch the eulogy. A PDF of the eulogy is also available: https://scny.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Eulogy-for-Sister-Kathleen-McKiernan-SC.pdf
Date of Death
August 31, 2020
Age
86
Private Wake & Funeral
Burial
St. Agatha Cemetery
Nanuet, NY
Missions
Archdiocese of New York
- St. Vincent Hospital, Manhattan
1957–58, Staff Nurse
1958–60, Adm. Supervisor, Assist. Head Nurse
1989–90, Admin. Resident - St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing
1959–62, Teacher
1962–66, Assist. Director - St. Vincent Hospital, Staten Island
1966–68, Assoc. Dir., School of Nursing - St. Joseph Hospital, Yonkers
1968–73, Dir. of Nursing Service - Pace University, Manhattan
1973–74, 1984–85, 1989–90, Adjunct Faculty, Assoc. Degree Nursing Program - National Assn. Practical Nurse Education & Service, NYC
1973–83, Dir., Dept. of Education Accreditation Services - Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry
1983–91, 1999–01, Admin. Coordinator
2001–2010, Per diem Admin. Coordinator - U.S. Dept. HHS
1991–94, Health Care Finan. Admin. Supervisor
1994–99, Health Care Finan. Admin. Branch Chief - Westchester County YWCA Children’s Center, White Plains
2001–04, Volunteer Services - Lifeway Network Safe House
2005–19, Volunteer
When I heard of Kathleen’s death, I had an image of Pat Mulryan at the Heavenly Gates with open arms to welcome her! Peace and blessings to all who know and loved her.
We did, too! Thank you for your kind message.
Omg, I just saw this now and have been meaning to call to come for a visit. She got me through the tough times at st,v,s . I loved her. Yes, Sr. Patricia and all of her family are there to meet her , her sister Anne who was my roommate. My sympathy to the entire community and to father mckiernan. I am so sorry. She was probably just so weak from all that had happened in the last few yrs. She was . so good to me. . We shared the same bday. My husband loved her too. She was special. I am glad I saw her in feb I will notify my class of,,62
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and condolences.
Sr. Kathleen, ever a sidekick to our Aunt Dolores Calamari, never let a Calamari wake end without her special dedication of an Irish Blessing;
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields and, until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand. God bless you Sr. Kathleen.
Thank you for sharing your memory. We hope someone will offer the blessing at her service. It is surely fitting.
I was so saddened to hear from Mary Flynn Peckerman of the death of Sister Kathleen,, sister of Anne who was my hall mate at St. V’s. Sister Kathleen was such a sweet, caring person who everyone loved. She was lively and fun and I have these memories of her to carry with me.
Rest in Peace Sister Kathleen. You are sorely missed.
Our hearts and prayers are with the Family and extended Family of Sr. Kathleen. Since She joined the order we (The Calamari’s) have considered Sr Kathleen as part of our family. My sister, Sr. Dolores Calamari joined the order in 1951 at the same time and were inseparable during both careers. There was never a family function that Sr. kathleen was there, especially if it was a party but also many Masses that were held at family homes. Yes we will greatly miss Sr. Kathleen
We have just learned of Sr. Kathleen’s passing. Mail from our organization was returned with “deceased” on the label. I am the editor of Courier, a publication of the Teachers College Columbia University Nursing Education Alumni Association. I see from the beautifully written and comprehensive obituary that Sr. Kathleen is a graduate of TC with a master’s degree in education. I will certainly include the obituary in our 2022 Courier published at the end of each year. I will also nominate her for the TC NEAA Nursing Hall of Fame (https://tcneaa.org/neaaawards/). Based on her stellar career, I believe she should be recognized and remembered for her contributions to humanity and service to the Lord, Jesus.