Remembering the recently deceased in the Archdiocese of Seattle. 

Sister Margaret Mary Whelan, OSF

ASTON, Pa. — Franciscan Sister Margaret Mary Whelan (formerly Sister Joseph Margaret) died Oct. 14, 2024, at Assisi House in Aston, Pennsylvania. She was 94.

She was born in Dublin, Ireland, where she was a member of Our Lady of Dolours Parish in Glasnevin. In 1947, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia and professed her first vows in 1950. She earned her registered nurse credentials from St. Mary’s Hospital in Philadelphia and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Seattle University.

In her 74 years as a sister, Sister Margaret ministered primarily in health care and administration. For 21 years, she served in the Diocese of Baker, Oregon, as a nurse and nursing supervisor at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Baker and St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton.

She then served for 40 years in the Archdiocese of Seattle. She was a nursing supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma and later an administrator and volunteer at St. Ann Convent and St. Joseph Medical Center, both in Tacoma. She also volunteered at St. Leo Parish. 

In 2014, Sister Margaret moved to St. Ann Convent and served in prayer and hospitality until 2017, when she moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement residence in Pennsylvania, where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.

Sister Margaret is survived by her sister-in-law, Phyllis Whelan, several nieces and nephews and her Franciscan family.

A Christian wake service will begin at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at Assisi House, with the Mass of Christian Burial following at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston.

Donations in Sister Margaret Mary’s name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.

 

Kathryn Daily

SEATTLE — Kathryn Ruth Daily died Sept. 27, 2024, in Seattle, two days shy of her 56th birthday.

She was born Sept. 29, 1968, to George and Patricia Daily. She studied fine art and photography at Kendall College of Art and Design, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After college, she drove alone from Michigan to Seattle, where she quickly made friends and started exhibiting her art at local galleries and shows.

Her first job in Seattle was as manager of Ala Francaise bakery. She spent her career in management and human resources, working at the Lifelong AIDS Alliance, Country Doctor Community Clinic and as assistant director of human resources at the Archdiocese of Seattle.

While she loved that her professional roles allowed her to help people in meaningful ways, her true passion was art. From murals to wedding photography to projects at her daughter’s school, she found joy in creating beauty. One of her murals can still be seen at Beacon Hill P-Patch.

Outside of work and art, she was a devoted mother, dedicated to providing her daughter, Ziah, with a wonderful childhood and excellent education. She was proud to see her graduate from college in June 2024. She enjoyed spending time with friends, watching plays, taking long walks and indulging in nachos, grilled cheese and Ethiopian food. She loved shopping with her daughter at TJ Maxx to celebrate birthdays, Christmas and back-to-school season.

She is survived by her daughter, Ziah; her father, George; siblings Suzanne and Michael; four nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 19 at Immaculate Conception Church in Seattle, and a reception will follow. Those attending the funeral are asked to wear a little bit of green, her favorite color.

Interment will be at 2 p.m. Oct. 19 at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline.

As a free service to the Catholic community, Northwest Catholic posts online the obituaries of Catholics whose funerals are held in parishes in the Archdiocese of Seattle or at Catholic cemeteries in the archdiocese. Submit an obituary here.