Sister Katherine Downing, formerly Sister Mary Laboure, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York for the past 66 years, died on August 10, 2016 in St. Martin de Porres Community. Sister was 84 years of age. ​ Sr. Katherine was born to Sylvester and Elizabeth McCarthy Downing on June 8, 1932 in New York. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on September 8, 1950 from St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, NY. Sr. Katherine received the Dominican habit on September 5, 1951, professed first vows on September 6, 1952, and final vows on September 6, 1955.
Sister held the BS in Education from Fordham University.
Sr. Katherine’s many years of active ministry included: St. Anselm School, Bronx, NY, 1953-59; St. Peter School, Liberty, NY 1959-64; Our Lady of the Assumption School, Bronx, NY, 1964-70; Holy Spirit School, Bronx, NY, 1970-73; St. Mary Star of the Sea School, City Island, NY, 1973-83; Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School, Tappan, NY, 1983-90. Sister served as Assistant Administrator of the Motherhouse, 2000-04; Volunteer Services, St. Dominic’s Convent; 2004-05; Prayer Ministry, St. Dominic’s Convent, 2005.
In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Katherine is survived by her nephews John, Thomas, Michael, and Richard O’Shea, Joseph and Daniel McElligott.
She was predeceased by her brothers John and Frank and her sisters Mary Sullivan, Elizabeth and Regina Downing, Hannah O’Shea and Julia McElligott.