Sr Catherine Morris

Sr. Catherine Morris passed away Aug 1, 2023. She was born on May 30,1930 at the Morris homestead on Colindale Road, Port Hood to Patrick and Florence (MacDonald) Morris. She is predeceased by siblings Loranna (Bill) Chisholm, Alexander (Catherine Burke), Hugh (Terry English), Fr. Angus Morris, Teresa (John) van Zutphen and three infant brothers. Sr. Catherine is survived by her siblings Fr. Eugene Morris, Sr. Mary Morris CND, Joseph Morris; and in-laws John (Teresa) van Zutphen and Mary (Joe) MacLellan Morris.

In 1948, after completing high school at St. Joseph’s convent in Mabou, Sr. Catherine joined the Congregation of Notre Dame (CND) taking the train to Montreal and immersing herself in the French language. She celebrated her first profession August 22, 1950 and her final profession August 8, 1956 as Sister St. Patrick Maureen. This would have been Sr. Catherine’s 73rd year of religious life. Her dedication to St. Margaret Bourgeoys and belief in the wonderful work accomplished by her fellow sisters of the CND was evident in every part of her life.

Sr. Catherine continued her French studies at Laval University; Middlebury, Vermont; and Saint Pierre and Miquelon. She then taught French as part of her ministry in high schools in Montreal, PEI, Port Hood, Mabou and Antigonish. She told many humorous stories of her teaching experiences. She found great joy in chance meetings with former students, never missing the opportunity to make these connections. We are certain that when she meets St. Peter, she will ask “Where do I know you from? Did you go to school in Mabou?”

Her next ministry was as a Prison Chaplain at the Springhill Institution. Her kindness and friendly manner were no doubt helpful in her work there. Following this, Catherine assisted many candidates in the RCIA program and many families in baptismal preparation at St. Joseph’s Parish in New Victoria, Holy Name Parish and Immaculate Conception Parish in Truro and New Dawn Guest Homes in Sydney. Her Pastoral Work continued as she moved to Holy Redeemer Convent in Whitney Pier. As part of the Holy Redeemer Convent, for over 20 years she supported cancer patients staying at the convent while receiving their treatments at CB Regional Hospital. One of her great gifts was her ability to connect with people. She cared deeply and was interested in the story (and pedigree) of everyone she met.

Along with her great faith, family was important to Sr. Catherine. She returned to Port Hood as often as she could, enjoying particularly summer at Loranna’s or Fr. Gene’s. She loved to catch up with nieces, nephews and their families to learn what was happening in their lives and to assure them that she was praying for them. Sr. Catherine never missed a birthday, with the humorous card often arriving a week ahead of time so she knew you had received it on time. She had many close friends in every place she lived. Thank you to all who meant so much to her.

Sr. Catherine retired to the MacGillivray Guest Home in September, 2022. The family would like to acknowledge with gratitude the special kindnesses of the staff of the Holy Redeemer Convent and the gracious comfort and care given by the staff of the CND wing of the MacGillivray Guest Home.

Visitation will take place in Port Hood and Area Resting Place Monday Aug 7, 2023 2-4pm and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass will be held in St Peter’s Parish Church, Port Hood Tuesday August 8 at 11am. Internment will take place immediately following in the parish cemetery. The Funeral Mass will be streamed on https://facebook.com/st.peters.Parish.PortHood and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@saintpeterporthood3234

Sr. Catherine had a great compassion for those in need. Memorial donations can be made to any food bank or a local charity of your choice. Etransfers to the Port Hood Food Bank accepted at capebretonsouthwesternfoodbank@gmail.com

Online condolences may be made to: www.invernessfuneralhome.com