Sister Mary Catherine (Terence) Nilles, O.P.

Sister Mary Catherine “Kate” Nilles, O.P., 87, passed away at Racine Hospice House, Racine, WI, on Thursday, March 20, 2014.

Mary Catherine was born on January 29, 1927, in Milwaukee, WI, and was soon adopted by John and Irene Nilles. On September 2, 1946, she joined the Racine Dominicans and at her reception in 1947 she was given the religious name Sister Terence. She professed her first vows in 1949 and her final vows in 1955. In 1968 she returned to using her baptismal name, Mary Catherine.

Sister Mary Catherine spent many years in service to others in education as a teacher and principal. She began her ministry in 1949 at SS. Peter & Paul, Green Bay.  Other places in Wisconsin where she served were St. Mary, Racine; St. Mary, Tomah; St. John, South Milwaukee; St. Mary, Kenosha; St. Mary, Hales Corners; and Holy Family, Marinette. She also served in Michigan and New Mexico. From 1988-1990 she served as the assistant superintendent for teacher development for the Diocese of Joliet, IL. After moving to Racine she worked in the Adult Learning Program, was a Community History research assistant and did community service. In March 2014 she moved to the Racine Hospice House, Racine, WI.

Sister Mary Catherine is survived by the Racine Dominican Sisters and Associates; some cousins; her dear friend, Sister Suzanne Noffke; and her “adoptive Noffke family.” She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Rev. John Ivan Nilles.

Visitation will be in the Siena Center Chapel on Monday, March 24, beginning at 9 a.m. with a Remembering Service at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Memorials to the Racine Dominican Mission Fund have been suggested.

The Racine Dominicans would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Hospice Alliance and the sisters from the Barclay Apartments who cared for Sister Kate.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888