Sister Catherine (Kitty) McManus died at St Joseph’s in York on the 13th November 2025 at the age of 98. Her funeral took place on 11 December in the Chapel at the Bar Convent in York and was presided over by her friend and mentor the Emeritus Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Very Rev John Crowley.
In her final months Kitty was torn between wanting to be with God and her family in eternity and wanting to be the eldest member of the English CJ province. Much to her chagrin she never achieved the latter! May she rest in peace.
The chapel was packed with clergy who had known Kitty when she and her sister Gertrud had been based in Middlesbrough to run the house for Bishop John; with relatives from Ireland; members of the CJ English provinces, and with a large contingent of nurses and carers from St Joseph’s who had looked after Kitty during her final illness, and of course a good representation of parishioners. Bishop Johns’ homily was filled with appreciation of Kitty and her many gifts, particularly her kindness and desire to be close to God. At the end of the Mass Sr Ann spoke warmly of Kitty’s life as a Mary Ward sister, and this was followed by a few brief words from her niece, Catherine Gorman.
Press here to find Sr Ann’s appreciation of Sr Kitty