Sister Mary Kyran Curtin
Born to earthly life: October 10, 1923
Religious profession: July 23, 1942
Entered eternal life: June 13, 2010
Born on a chilly October day in Richfield, Wisconsin, the fifth of the fourteen children of Daniel and Gertrude Curtin, Sister Mary Kyran was named Aquina, after Mother Mary Aquina Kiffe, SSND, her father’s favorite aunt. She received her grade school education in a one-room schoolhouse and met School Sisters of Notre Dame for the first time in summer vacation school.
After attending the reception of Sister Mary Daniel (an older daughter), her father, who had been reluctant to do so before, allowed Aquina to enter the Juniorate at Longwood. When she became a novice in 1941, her only regret was that she had to give up the name she learned to cherish after meeting Mother Aquina in person.
Sister Mary Kyran’s years as a professed SSND educator were spent in grades 4-8 at Holy Assumption, West Allis; All Saints, Chicago; and Holy Ghost, Chippewa Falls (also principal); and at Catholic Central High, Marinette.
After her time on the Renewal Team (1972-75), the tenor of Ky’s ministries changed to continued renewal and formation work, religious education, Provincial Council (1979-87), pastoral associate in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, local leader at Mount Carmel, Mount Calvary (1990-93), pastoral team in Poynette, Wisconsin, and finally a very active retirement at Notre Dame of Elm Grove (2000). Among her many contributions to community life, we’ll remember her heritage quilts and the “welcome bags” she inaugurated for NDEG newcomers.
When Ky was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last January, she calmly and prayerfully accepted this unexpected beginning of her final journey, chose no extraordinary means, and in her usual organized way prepared to meet her God. Few loose ends were left when she suddenly lost consciousness three days before her death.
Her funeral services were a glorious celebration of her life, marked by tears and laughter. Both were fueled by memories as varied as her signature red hat, Renewal Team experiences, a motorcycle ride, and classroom anecdotes.
Monsignor James Feely, Ky’s friend and spiritual director for many years, was celebrant of the Mass of Christian Burial. For both her memorial card and order of worship, she had chosen a loved quote from Mother Theresa Gerhardinger: “I cannot describe my interior peace. Now I am in Jesus.”
In the eulogy, Sister Sharon Roedl compared Ky’s life to a quilt, ending with words that spoke for all of us: “We will treasure your Life Quilt, filled with courage, creativity, determination, and generous love – stitched together by a deep love of Mother Theresa and our SSND charism, which you shared so generously in so many ways.”
– Benilda Dix, SSND
Sister Mary Kyran ministered for 60 years as a teacher, principal, community superior, member of the SSND renewal team for three years, as well as a provincial councilor on the province’s leadership team for two four-year terms. After she left classroom teaching, she ministered as a pastoral associate and adult educator. In 2002, she retired to Notre Dame of Elm Grove in 2002 where she continued to serve with her sewing, quilting and also by her prayers and presence.
Sister Mary Kyran’s ministry locations included:
- Holy Assumption, West Allis, Wis.
- All Saints, Chicago, Ill.
- Holy Ghost, Chippewa, Wis.
- Catholic Central High School, Marinette, Wis.
- SSND Renewal Team, Milwaukee, Wis.
- Catholic Central High School, Marinette, Wis.
- St Martin de Porres, Hazelwood, Mo.
- SSND Provincial Council, Milwaukee, Wis.
- St. Francis Xavier, Cross Plains, Wis.
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mt. Calvary, Wis.
- St. Thomas Parish, Poynette, Wis.
- Notre Dame of Elm Grove, Elm Grove, Wis.
Sister Mary Kyran Curtin is survived by her siblings Patrick Curtin, Olive (Jack) Crawley, Larry (Judy) Curtin, Dana (Jerry) Crawley and Carol Anchor; her sister-in-law Mary Lee Curtin; nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and the SSND Community. A Wake Service and Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated on June 16 at Holy Family Chapel, Notre Dame of Elm Grove, 13105 Watertown Plank Road. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the School Sisters of Notre Dame Retirement Fund is appreciated.
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