Sister Mary Caron

Sister Mary Caron                     ND  4354               PDF Download
Catherine Elizabeth KEHNER

Christ the King Province, Chardon, Ohio, USA

Date and Place of Birth:            October 14, 1927    Randolph, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession:   August 16, 1948     Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Death:          April 7, 2016           Health Care Center, Chardon,Ohio
Date and Place of Funeral:        April 13, 2016         Provincial Center, Chardon,Ohio
Date and Place of Burial:           April 14, 2016         Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon, Ohio

Catherine Elizabeth was the fifth of the seven children born to Harry and Gertrude (Englehart) Kehner. She grew up in the rural community of Randolph treasuring her parents and siblings. Strong, lasting bonds were nurtured and throughout life she enjoyed and cherished visits, activities and celebrations with her large extended family. In response to a question from a Sister when she was in the sixth grade, Catherine began to think about a vocation to religious life. She became eager to complete elementary grades at St. Joseph School, Randolph, so she that could then attend Notre Dame Academy, Cleveland, as an aspirant. Catherine entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Notre Dame on February 2, 1946, and at investment received the name Sister Mary Caron.

Sister received a bachelor’s degree from St. John College, Cleveland, and a master’s degree from (Case) Western Reserve University, Cleveland. She ministered as a teacher and/or principal for forty-two years in elementary schools in Ohio and Virginia.

For many years Sister Mary Caron assumed the responsibility of principal, teacher and local superior simultaneously. She was among the first group of sisters at the opening of St. Michael School, Canton, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Austintown, and St. Peter School, Lorain. Sister Mary Caron was a gentle but strong educational leader. She was a good listener, dedicated, organized and efficient. She ministered with an understanding and sympathetic heart.

In 1992 when Sister retired from active ministry in education, she never stopped finding ways of loving and serving others, especially in the province Development (Advancement) Office. Her gift for making life-long friendships and her careful way of working and organizing were useful gifts in the areas of donor information and record-keeping.

Above all, Sister Mary Caron was a woman of prayer. Becoming closer to Jesus was the deepest desire of her heart. She had a quiet strength and a quiet presence that was never self-centered but always looking toward ways to strengthen relationships and become a better person. Whether being a care-giver for many years to her sister Rosie, enjoying a good card game or being a faithful friend, Sister Mary Caron knew that the source of her strength and every moment of her life was in God’s constant care. After just a few days of illness, Sister went home to God unexpectedly. She lived in the trust that, “There is a faithful, never-changing God in control. Every day begins and ends with God’s purpose.” May Sister Mary Caron rejoice in the presence of our good and loving God for all eternity!