Sr. Kathyrn (Kate) Holohan (formerly Sr. Annata), age 92 of the Sisters of St. Francis in Oldenburg, Indiana, died on March 26, 2025, at the Motherhouse in Oldenburg, Indiana. Born on February 24, 1933, in Streator, Illinois, she was one of sixteen children born to the late John and Anna (nee: Meyer) Holohan.
Sr. Kate attended St. Anthony’s in Streator, Illinois before attending Streator High School. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Marian College (now University), receiving her bachelor’s in education. She also attended the East Asian Pastoral Institute in Manila for a pastoral course. Sr. Kate entered the Sisters of St. Francis community in September 1954 and took her final vows in August 1960. She had two sisters that were also part of the community with her, Sr. Cecilia and Sr. Doris.
Sr. Kate began as a nurse’s aide in the infirmary at Oldenburg. After five years, she was called to Papua, New Guinea to establish and direct a diocesan community of religious Sisters in another culture. While there, she was able to create opportunities to improve the life of women in a primitive culture. She dedicated 26 years to this mission. Upon her return, she served as a member of the congregational team for four years and was then elected two consecutive terms as congregational minister. Following a year-long sabbatical, Sr. Kate went to West Virginia as a Pastoral Associate until her retirement to the motherhouse in 2009.
Upon returning to the motherhouse, Sr. Kate became involved in Liturgical Ministry. She also belonged to a group of Sisters who helped care for the sick and dying at the Motherhouse. During her later years in Oldenburg, she enjoyed the loving support of her Franciscan sisters and the rest and relaxation she found in the rural peaceful setting of God’s creation.
Sr. Kate is survived by her brother Jerry (Alta) Holohan, as well as nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Ronald, Jack, Bill, Leo, and Patrick Holohan; sisters Sr. Cecilia Holohan, OSF, Mary Harcharik, Rita Green, Helen Marconie, Marcella Orsen, Sr. Doris Holohan, OSF, Annette Denko, Diane Spaniol, and Patricia Holohan.
Prayer and visitation will be Thursday, April 3, at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m., all at the convent chapel. The burial will be at the Motherhouse Cemetery in Oldenburg. For those unable to attend, services will be live streamed at https://youtube.com/live/_O8QENTQxxw?feature=share
Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, Indiana 47036 Donate Online – SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS (oldenburgfranciscans.org). For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.