Sister Mary Kathleen ND 5275 PDF Download
(formerly Sister Mary Ambrose)
Kathleen Ann KNECHTGES
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: March 19, 1938 Elyria, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1959 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: November 28, 2024 Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: December 3, 2024 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon
Date and Place of Funeral: December 13, 2024 Chardon, Ohio
Kathleen was the youngest of the five children born to Chauncey and Catherine (Ward) Knechtges. When she was just four years old, her mother died. Her father and older sister lovingly took on the care of Kathleen and her three brothers, keeping the household running smoothly. Family was important and treasured; the strong bonds formed in these early years lasted throughout her life. Kathleen attended St. Mary Parish School and Elyria District Catholic High School, both staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame. She was a good student and enjoyed all subjects and extracurricular activities. In her senior year, Kathleen discerned God’s call to religious life. Sister Mary Owen Kleinhenz, a mentor and friend, assisted her in entering Notre Dame. Kathleen became a postulant on September 8, 1956, and at investment received the name Sister Mary Ambrose.
Sister Mary Kathleen received a bachelor’s degree from St. John College in Cleveland and a master’s degree from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. Teaching eighth grade students became her specialty. She appreciated the age group, and with energy and patience found unique ways to enrich lessons to reach her students. Sister once reflected that she saw her gifts and efforts as “tools for growing, fixing and teaching… to nurture growth and wholeness in people.”
In 1989 Sister Mary Kathleen earned certification in Pastoral Counseling from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and Pastoral Ministry certification from the Diocese of Cleveland in 1991. She served at parishes in Cleveland, Geneva and Grafton, Ohio, and was delighted to minister in this capacity at her home parish, Immaculate Conception, now Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish in Grafton.
In 1992 Sister began a new outreach to the people of the inner city of Cleveland. The West Side Ecumenical Ministry was a network of churches working together to increase services and pool resources. Sister became the program coordinator of Cooperative Connections, linking support groups throughout the city. With other team leaders, she planned activities and provided resources for more than twelve years. Her organizational skills and counseling expertise were matched by her immense compassion and respect.
When Sister returned to Chardon in 2017, she served her sisters in community in a variety of ways. She enjoyed time for prayer and reflection, and became a caregiver for her siblings. Interest in music, poetry and the world around her were a part of each day. In the past two years Sister’s health declined, but her courage and spirit remained strong. It was on Thanksgiving Day that God called Sister Mary Kathleen home. We are grateful for her life among us.
May she rest in peace.
by Dreamhost