Sister Catherine Flynn (Sister Mary Edward), a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph, West Hartford, CT died at Monsignor Bojnowski Manor on November 15. Born in Bridgeport, CT on September 19, 1929 of the late Edward Andrew Flynn and Julia Frances Crowley Flynn, Sister Catherine entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 1, 1953 and celebrated her Profession of Vows on March 1, 1961. At the time of her death she was 93 years of age and in her 69th year of Religious Life.
Sister Catherine earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Diocesan Sisters College, West Hartford, CT and a Masters Degree in Religious Education from Providence College, Providence, RI. She taught in the schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford, CT and in the Dioceses of Bridgeport and Norwich, CT. Sister Catherine last taught Religion classes at St. Paul Catholic High School, Bristol, CT.
Sister Catherine, filled with zeal for the migrant workers who were treated unjustly in society, was determined to minister to the migrants as part of the East Coast Project Migrant Outreach. This entailed traveling from Middletown, NY down to Belle Glade, Fla. and back, as Sister followed the migrants from crop field to crop field. Becoming an advocate for migrant workers held in virtual slavery by crew leaders in Lakeland, Fla., Sister Catherine worked courageously to aid the National Migrant Workers Organization to alleviate migrant sufferings and bring the crew leaders to justice. This proved to be a dangerous enterprise which Sister Catherine managed for four years.
On returning to Connecticut, Sister Catherine joined the Pastoral Team at St. Joseph Hospital, Stamford, CT where she lovingly brought God’s strength and support to patients. This prepared her for her long-term ministry of 19 years at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Riverside, CT where Sister continued Pastoral Care to the Parishioners. Sister Catherine then ministered to the elderly Sisters and patients at St. Joseph Infirmary, West Hartford, CT until her own three elderly sisters in West Haven, CT needed her care and assistance. This she graciously did until the last two sisters found assisted accommodations. On her return to the Provincial House, Sister became a Eucharistic Minister for the Sisters and worked on Switchboard; both services she performed with diligence and love.
Sister Catherine’s conscientious loving care of others and her prayerfulness were special traits in her everyday life. She also loved to discuss pertinent issues, providing interesting conversations. Her willingness to help the poor and indigent was admirable and will be a lasting remembrance of Sister Catherine.
We are grateful to the staff at Monsignor Bojnowski Manor for their compassionate support and care for Sister Catherine.
In addition to her Sisters in community, Sister Catherine is survived by her nieces Patricia Bruneau and Kathleen Orcutt, and her nephews, John, Edward and Joseph McGowan. She was predeceased by her parents, sisters, Agnes Flynn, Mary Flynn and Julia Flynn McGowan, and her brother-in-law, John McGowan.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at the Sisters of St. Joseph Provincial House Chapel on Monday, November 21. Burial followed at the Sisters of St Joseph Cemetery on Ringgold St. in West Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a memorial donation to the Sisters of St. Joseph, c/o of Office of Mission Advancement, 650 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111. Fisette-Batzner Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington has care of arrangements.
