Sister Mary Charitina Kavanagh, R.S.M., a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, Mid-Atlantic Community, for 71 years, died Jan. 11.
Born in Brooklyn, she attended St. Brigid’s School, Bushwick, and Mercy Juniorate H.S., Fort Greene. She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Fordham University, a master’s in library sciences from St. John’s University and a doctorate in administration and supervision also from St. John’s University.
She entered the Sisters of Mercy Novitiate in Syosset, L.I., in 1938, and professed final vows on Sept. 6, 1943.
She taught at St. Gregory’s School, Crown Heights, 1940-41, and 1945-49; St. Thomas Aquinas, Flatlands, 1949-53; St. Therese of Lisieux, East Flatbush, 1942-45; St. Patrick’s, Fort Greene, 1941-42 and 1953-56; Bishop McDonnell D.H.S., Crown Heights, 1956-62, and Mercy H.S., Riverhead, 1991-2000.
She was principal at Holy Innocents School, East Flatbush, 1971-82, and St. Jerome, East Flatbush, 1982-91.
She was the dean of students at the Novitiate of the Sisters of Mercy, 1962-65; supervisor of schools in Rockville Centre, 1965-67; and secretary general and director of studies for the Mercy Community, 1967-71. She retired to Maria Regina Residence in 2011.
Burial was in St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale.
Sister enabled me to send my 3 children to Catholic School by letting me be a sub teacher so I could pay their way. My son passed 9/26/14. Her face appeared to me after his burial. He was 48. I will never forget her kindness. My children turned out well and they are good Catholics.
If memory serves me correctly, Sister Mary Charitina was my first grade teacher at St. Patrick’s, Fort Greene.
Such a lovely person and good teacher. Sisters of Mercy truly formed my faith and I am forever grateful.
May she rest in Christ’s peace!
Sister Charitina was our principal during our time at Holy Innocents. Tough with us and with our parents, earining respect from us until today. I am happy to say that my brother, cousins and I know the value on an education, respect, honesty and compassion. Thank you and rest in peace.