Chicago-born and Springfield raised, Sister Kathleen Kenny felt a call to health care ministry early during her years as a Springfield Dominican Sister. She was baptized at St. Edmund Parish, Oak Park but soon her parents, Elizabeth and James Kenny moved the family to Springfield, where she attended school at Blessed Sacrament.
After teaching for elementary school for ten years in the dioceses of Springfield and Rockford, and the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Kathleen began her health care ministry at St. Dominic Hospital, Jackson, Miss. She also nursed at St. Mary-Rogers Memorial Hospital, Rogers, Ark., and, after serving a term in elected leadership for the Springfield Dominicans, used her healthcare expertise as director of nursing at Sacred Heart Convent, eventually becoming co-coordinator of the sisters’ wellness program.
In the late 1990s, while she was in elected leadership, Sister Kathleen's characteristic attention to detail made her the natural choice to take the lead as coordinator of the construction of the skilled care nursing center at Sacred Heart Convent and the renovation of the other residence buildings. Some years later, she was instrumental in coordinating the furnishings for Cor Unum House, a residence that welcomes young adult women into an experience of community, prayer, and service.
Sister Kathleen's parents are deceased; her sister Ann Carr lives in Chicago and her sister Mary Veeser in LaGrange, Ill.
Sister Kathleen took as her own a motto she says was her parents: Each for the other, and both for God. “This applies just as well in religious life,” she said. “We are here for others, and for God. I saw my parents live that. My own vocation flowed from their commitment and love.”
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Congratulations Aunt Kathy on your Jubilee! I am so happy for you and enjoyed being in Springfield with our family celebrating YOU!! 60 years of vowed life is a truly impressive and major accomplishment. We love you! Molly, Anna & Dylan ❌⭕️
Dear Sr. Kathleen: Congratulations on 60 years of religious life as a Springfield Dominican! As a teacher at SHG, I enjoyed visiting with you on those occasions when our students would be invited to the Motherhouse. I think our paths may have also crossed at a few other events held at the Motherhouse. May God continue to bless you and the Springfield Dominicans during this anniversary year!