Posted February 25, 2025 in Obituaries

Daughter, Sister, Cousin, Friend, Teacher, Social Researcher 

Sister Kathleen Cooney’s influence on countless students across Northeast Ohio is difficult to measure. Sister’s teaching career of more than 50 years spanned the high schools of Beaumont, Villa Angela Academy, Ursuline Academy of the Sacred Heart, and Ursuline College.

Sister Kathleen retired from teaching in 2018, and she became a caregiver for a family member.  Illness slowed her down a bit, but her ready smile and infectious laugh continued to inspire her Ursuline Sisters and all others who crossed her path.  Sister Kathleen died peacefully in the evening of February 23, 2025.

Daughter of James and Mary (Kristek) and sister of Richard, Sister Kathleen attended St. Malachi and St. Charles grade schools, Nazareth Academy, Ursuline College, Akron University, and finally earned a doctorate in Social Work from Case Western Reserve University.

She developed the social work program at Ursuline College.  Her students are found through Northeast Ohio, identifying pathways, persons, and resources which can make a difference in the lives of adults, children, and families needing assistance.

Sister Kathleen’s leadership qualities led her to positions of:  President of the Sisters’ Senate; Representative to the Bishop’s Committee on Desegregation; Executive Committee of the Commission on Catholic Community Action; and Catholic Charities Board of Trustees.  Sister served also on the Ursuline Sisters Leadership Team.

Summarizing her life at the time of her 60thJubilee Year, Sister Kathleen said, “Being an Ursuline has been a call to growth in relationship and witness of Gospel values.”

Sister Kathleen Cooney’s services:

Wake:  Sunday, March 2nd, 3:00-5:00pm. 
Ursuline Motherhouse (Merici Crossings)
29777 Fairmount Blvd.  Pepper Pike 44124

Funeral Mass:     
Monday, March 3rd, 10:00am
St.  Francis of Assisi Church
6850 Mayfield Rd.  Gates Mills  44040 

Memorial donations may be made to the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland:  www.ursulinesisters.org     Arrangements by DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott