Born in Bronx, NY, on August 9,1928, Margaret was the daughter of Bernard and Katherine O’Brien Gaffney. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on September 8,1946 and received the name Sister Katherine Bernard. She professed her first vows in 1948 and final vows in 1953.
Sister Katherine Bernard received her BS in Education from Fordham University, Bronx, NY, 1951; MS in Chemistry, Villanova University, Pennsylvania, 1964; and a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Notre Dame University, Indiana, 1968. Sister Katherine received Certification in Spiritual Direction from Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Center.
Sister Katherine Bernard ministered at St. Brendan School, Bronx, NY (1948-1953); St. Rose of Lima, NYC (1953-1957); Albertus Magnus High School, Bardonia, NY (1957-1964) St. Thomas Aquinas College, Sparkill, NY as Science Chairperson and professor (1968-1972); Dominican Sisters Executive Team Member (1972-1980); Our Lady of Peace Spiritual Center, Spiritual Director Intern, Narragansett, Rhode Island (1981-1982). From 1982 – 2012, Sister Katherine served as Co-Administrator/ Director of the Corazon Community, Glasco, NY, a spirituality/hospitality program of the Dominican Sisters.
Sister Katherine Bernard is predeceased by her parents Bernard and Katherine O’Brien Gaffney, her brother Bernard (Mary) and her brother Robert. She is survived by her sister Katherine Ryan (John); sister-in-law Madeline Gaffney and many nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, Sparkill, NY Wednesday , January 8, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. Visitation is on Tuesday January 7, 2020 from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Dominican Convent, 175 Route 340, Sparkill, NY. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery. Arrangements are by Higgins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Dominican Sisters, at the above address, attention –Sister Mary Murray, President
Michel J. Higgins Funeral Service, Inc.
321 S. Main Street
New City, NY 10956
845-634-6110
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