Posted November 13, 2018 in Obituaries

Dedicated Educator and Faith-filled Religious

Sister Caroline Kocur (formerly Sister Mechtildes) spent her entire career in the ministry of education, 23 years as a teacher and 25 as principal. Even in her last years, as a resident at Regina Health Center, Sister Caroline continued to teach by example, living graciously and gratefully despite a variety of health challenges. The gentle and kindly educator died November 12, surrounded by family members, sisters and friends. She was 81.

Caroline Marie Kocur was born July 30, 1937, in East Cleveland, the eldest of four children born to Andrew and Corinne (Raby) Kocur. The Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart graduate entered the Ursuline community from St. Philomena Parish September 12, 1956, and professed final vows August 12, 1962. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from St. John College.

Sister Caroline began her ministry career teaching first graders at St. Mary School (Collinwood). Additional teaching assignments included St. Charles Borromeo and St. Francis de Sales schools in Parma, St. Mary Magdalene (Willowick), and St. Catherine (Cleveland). She taught and later served as principal at Immaculate Conception (Willoughby) and St. Jerome (Cleveland). Sister Caroline’s longest ministry service was a 13-year tenure as principal of St. Vincent De Paul School (Cleveland). She served briefly at Urban Community School before retiring to the motherhouse in 2012, and moved to Regina Health Center in 2013.

Regina staff and residents alike found in Sister Caroline a friendly and joyful presence, always quick with a warm greeting or a word of thanks for any kindness extended or service rendered.  Even in her last hours, she welcomed each visitor with a smile.

Sister Caroline is survived by a brother Gilbert (wife Mary Jayne) and a sister Martha Flow. She was preceded in death by her brother Andrew.

She will be remembered for her friendly and gentle demeanor and her grateful heart.  She was a dedicated educator, a faith-filled religious, and a devoted sister and aunt. 

Donations in her memory can be made to the Ursuline Sisters.

Funeral Services for Sister Caroline Kocur

Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity

Ursuline Motherhouse, 2600 Lander Road

Wake Service: 4:00 p.m. Friday, November 16

Funeral Mass: 7:00 PM Friday

Burial Service: 9:30 AM Saturday, November 17

Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery, Chardon.