Sister Kathleen Ryan was born on December 12, 1937 to Patrick and Margaret (Fleissner) Ryan and given the name Kathleen Marie. Kathleen was the oldest of seven, five sisters and one brother. Her sister Patricia died in 2003.
The Ryan family were members of St. Henry Parish. Kathleen was educated for twelve years there. After high school Kathleen entered St. Walburg Monastery in 1956. She became a novice in 1957, receiving the name Sister Patrick. First profession followed in 1958, perpetual in 1961, silver jubilee in 1983, golden in 2008, and diamond in 2018.
Sr. Kathleen earned a BA in Elementary Education from Villa Madonna College in 1967, a Masters in Education from Xavier University in 1972, and a Masters in Theology from Xavier in 1985.
Kathleen taught in elementary schools of the Diocese of Covington for thirty-two years plus one in La Junta, Colorado. She served as Rel. Education coordinator or DRE for an additional fourteen years in diocesan parishes.
Eighteen of Kathleen’s teaching years were spent at Mary, Queen of Heaven School. She developed steadfast relationships there, inviting friends to “rocking-chair suppers”. The sisters grew used to the sight of Kathleen carrying rocking chairs to the elevator so that the group could relax in the Lower Level. Without a doubt she knew the location of the lightest and closest chairs.
In addition to education, Kathleen’s ministry was kindness and fidelity. She kept up with the people she met, if not in person, then by phone. One described her as having “such a kind sparkle in her eyes and [she was] so gracious…” Kathleen enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Fr. Bob Henderson, whom she considered part of her family. She placed a high value on love and loyalty to family members, regardless of generation.
“Retirement” for Kathleen meant moving from full time to part time, as a teacher, a sacramental coordinator, a chaplain, a Virtus coordinator; she provided communion services at Colonial Heights Senior Retirement Center. Kathleen studied cosmetology for a few months to sharpen her skills as haircutter and perm-giver at the monastery. The tools of her trade remain for others to use.
Kathleen died early in the morning of Thursday, April 23, 2026. She is preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Margaret Ryan and her sister Patricia Di Rocco. Kathleen is survived by her sisters Mary Ellen Funke, Eileen Preston, Barbara Agee, Nancy Ryan and her brother Jim, nieces, nephews, friends and the Benedictine community.
Vigil service will be held at 7:00 pm, Monday, April 27, followed by visitation until 9:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 5:00 pm, April 28. All services will be held at St. Walburg Monastery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Walburg Monastery, 2500 Amsterdam Rd., Villa Hills, KY 41017; www.stwalburg.org Online condolences to: www.linnemannfuneralhomes.com