Sister Catherine Atkins, C.S.J., a Sister of St. Joseph, Brentwood, L.I., for 52 years, died Feb. 16 in Southside Hospital.

A member of the first graduating class of Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst, she entered the congregation Sept. 3, 1965 from St. Anselm parish, Bay Ridge.

She studied nutrition and dietetics at Pratt Institute, earning her certification with highest honors, and graduating magna cum laude with her bachelor’s degree.

Formerly known as Sister John Ellen, she ministered as an assistant dietician in Maria Regina Residence in Brentwood, 1968-70, and continued full-time until 2000.

She volunteered in the Brentwood archives, 2000-01, and then spent the next 14 years ministering in Brentwood’s secretarial offices.

Burial was in St. Charles Cemetery, Brentwood.