Sr. Kathleen Reynolds, SFP

February 23, 1937 – October 4, 2020

Sr. Kathleen Reynolds was a great example of the song: “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”. She had a sparkle in her eyes that bespoke of mischief and joy. The whole room lit up when she came in, and people felt better and happier just by being in her presence.

Kathleen Reynolds was born on February 23, 1937, one of 5 children born to Thomas and Kathleen Reynolds. Along with brothers Michael, Thomas and John and sister, Ann, she attended Annunciation Elementary School in NY and after graduation, she went to St. Catherine Academy in the Bronx for high school.
Kathleen became familiar with the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor through an uncle who had a sister in the congregation. She entered novitiate on August 15, 1957, made her 1st Profession of Vows on March 8, 1960, and her Perpetual Profession on August 22, 1965. In her own words, Kathleen said that “being a Franciscan Sister of the Poor is truly a continuation of all the love and joy given to me by my parents each day of my life”.

That joy stayed with Sr. Kathleen, and radiated out to all whose lives she touched during her ministries, working first in the business offices of St. Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, NJ and later in St. Francis Community Hospital, Jersey City, NJ. Realizing her potential for compassion and patient care, Kathleen went on to become an LPN, and later graduated from the nursing program at St. Francis Hospital as an RN. She continued ministering as a nurse in various settings for over 25 years, becoming more and more aware of the plight of the poor. This led her to Anthony House for a couple of years, where the sisters lived with those experiencing poverty in Jersey City. After spending 10 years at Mt. Alverno Center, Warwick, NY as Nursing Coordinator, Sr. Kathleen became interested in the alternative therapies used to relieve pain and discomfort. She went for training and served as a certified massage therapist a hospital in Hoboken, NJ, until her retirement in 2011.

Sr. Kathleen touched many lives during her years of ministry, but perhaps none benefited as deeply from her joyful, loving spirit as the children in the pediatric unit at St. Francis Hospital. Here, her joy and laughter lightened the burden of illness for the sick children, and she could easily enter into play therapy with them to distract them from their illness and foster the positive feelings that are needed for children to heal and thrive. A sign in the nurse’s station read: “Love is spoken here,” and Sr. Kathleen certainly contributed to that conversation.

Another significant portion of her nursing career was her time spent at Mt. Alverno Center, caring for our sick and elderly sisters. Sr. Kathleen was one of the sisters who were instrumental in bringing the infirm Franciscan Friars from St. Bonaventure, NY to spend their last years at Mt. Alverno, and she developed lasting friendships among the friars as well.

When she retired and moved to St. Francis Convent, Warwick, Sr. Kathleen continued to be a Sister visitor to the Sisters and residents of Schervier Pavilion. Her joy and laughter brought a smile to the faces of many residents who otherwise had no visitors, and she continued to brighten their last years with her presence. The source of her joy, as always, was her love for God, her sacramental life and prayer. She hoped to “always show forth the deep love of Christ to each one who enters my life.” Her sisters also benefited from her love and joy, for she desired to “live community life with each one and be open to share, receive and experience a deep kindness and love in the spirit of St. Francis and Blessed Mother Frances, and to carry her charism each day, as I greet and welcome each one, each day of my life.

And as always, Kathleen’s Irish roots added to her sparkle. As others noted, she “had a love for all things Irish and could do a great Irish jig at the drop of a hat.”
In her recent years, Sr. Kathleen came to reside at St. Clare/Magnificat Community, Cincinnati, OH, along with good friends. It is wonderful to note that Sr. Kathleen passed into Gods loving arms on the joyful feast of St. Francis, October 4, 2020 in the early hours of the morning. Heaven is filled with laughter and celebration – and a little bit of Irish dance and mischief as well.

Written by: Sr. Jo-Ann Jackowski, SFP

Sr. Kathleen Reynolds – Irish Eyes

Each time her Irish eyes were smiling
she seemed to dance with Spring,
Remembering moments in her life,
what lessons they can bring…
Forgive, show mercy, always love,
be willing, joyful, bold –
A heart of faith stands up to time
and never does grow old.
One women’s strength and, yes, her grit,
a determined spirit there,
She blessed us with amazing gifts –
lessons meant to share.

The following is a testimonial from one among our Sister who remember with affection Sr. Kathleen Reynolds:

The last few years of Sr Kathleen’s life were far from easy, as she suffered physically and cognitively with each new day.
I fondly recall her 60th Jubilee in Warwick, as family and friends gathered to celebrate with her. It was a day of joy when her Irish eyes were certainly shining bright! -Sr. Marilyn Trowbridge