Sister Catherine Mary Holker Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

IN LOVING MEMORY OF SISTER CATHERINE MARY HOLKER Sister Catherine Mary Holker was called to her eternal rest on December 18, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh, WI at the age of 84. Sister Catherine Mary was born on September 9, 1932 in Monticello, MN to her parents Louis and Emma (Dietrich) Holker. The family lived on a farm where sister was the youngest of 6 living siblings. Her family was active in church activities and the family had the ritual of praying together and daily praying the rosary as a family. A sledding accident brought her to St. Joseph’s Hospital, Mankato, MN where she was in the care of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother. Sister stated, “It was love at first sight. I was overwhelmed with their graciousness and acceptance. They were kind and caring although it was a visit I hadn’t planned on making. I knew it wouldn’t be the last.” In 1950 Sister Catherine Mary entered the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother Congregation in Milwaukee, WI. Sister was given the name of Mary Damian. She took her first vows August 12, 1953 and final vows on August 12, 1958 both in Milwaukee, WI. She celebrated her silver jubilee in 1979 and golden jubilee in 2000. In 2013 Sister celebrated 60 years of service as an SSM. Sister returned to her baptismal name Catharine Mary after Vatican II. Although she aspired to becoming a nurse, she was asked to become an educator. She served in various states including Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Kansas in elementary education. Sister Catherine Mary completed a BEd degree from Mount Mary College, Milwaukee in 1963. In 1978 Sister thought that after thirty-five years serving youth, she would follow a new path. She completed the CPE Course at ST. Luke’s Hospital, Milwaukee, WI preparing her to begin a new career in pastoral care in the health field in 1979. Sister Catherine Mary was sent to St. Elizabeth Hospital, Wabasha, MN There she served as Director of the Pastoral Care Department until she retired and moved to Franciscan Courts, Oshkosh, WI in June 2010. She remained very active assisting in many areas at the Courts. Sister Catherine Mary enjoyed creating prayer services, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, and assisting with other Church activities. You could find her preparing a place in the dining room for a sister celebrating name day or birthday. She always had a treat at each place. She recently flew to her Minnesota home to attend the funeral for her sister-in-law. As she left there she said “goodbye” telling them that this would be her last visit. Sister will be missed by her religious family, nieces and nephews and friends. Homecoming services will be held Tuesday December 20th at 4:00 p.m.and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday December 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in SSM Franciscan Courts Chapel with Fr. William Kuhr as celebrant. Commitment services will follow at Riverside Catholic Cemetery, Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Sister Catherine Mary Holker

September 9, 1932 - December 18, 2016