Ministered locally, and in Argentina

Sister Mary Catherine Cavanagh FCJ, 69, of the St. Philomena Convent, 324 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth, died at home Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2004, following an illness.

Born in the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Providence, she was a daughter of the late John and Alice (Tierney) Cavanagh.

Sister Cavanagh entered the Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus in 1957 and made her first vows on July 31, 1959 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. A year later, she began her teaching ministry in the primary grades at St. Joseph's School in Fitchburg, Mass. While there, she was also an advisor to the youth group. She later went to Cordoba, Argentina as one of the founding members of the FCJ mission in South America. While in St. Joseph's, as well as in Argentina, she worked very closely with the LaSalette Fathers.

Sister Cavanagh touched the lives of many people as she ministered as a pastoral assistant in Argentina. Upon retiring to the United States five years ago, she joined the community of Sisters Faithful Companions of Jesus at St. Philomena Convent, and assisted in the extended day program at St. Philomena School. She also worked as a house mother at Little Flower Home in Tiverton. Her kindness touched the lives of many people as she shared her life and her faith with them in her loving, quiet way.

Besides her sisters in community, she leaves a sister, Alice (Cavanagh) Goslin of Foster; a brother, John Cavanagh of Providence; and several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 28, with a Mass of Christian burial at the St. Philomena School auditorium. Burial followed in St. Columba's Cemetery in Middletown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the FCJ South American Missions or the St. Philomena School Building Fund. Both can be sent in care of St. Philomena Convent, 324 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth, R.I. 02871.