Sister Catherine Elizabeth Comly, known formerly as Sister Scholastica, entered eternal life on August 4, 2011. Her funeral took place at Saint Joseph Villa on August 8, 2011.
Catherine was born in Philadelphia, baptized in Saint Barnabas Church there, but spent her early years in Sea Isle City, New Jersey with her parents. She was happy and proud to be a New Jersey girl, having attended Saint Augustine School in Ocean City and Ocean City High School. She often remarked on her public school education that she counted as a plus especially when teaching CCD to public school children later in life.
After entering the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Sister Catherine’s missions included teaching elementary school children in Philadelphia and New Jersey. Much of Sister’s ministry took place in New Jersey, her beloved adopted state. She boasted that she was the only Sister of Saint Joseph from Sea Isle City. She was very present to her dear mother in her mother’s final years in Sea Isle.
Sister Catherine spent her last years in the ministry of prayer and presence at Saint Joseph Villa. She noted in an interview that the kind gestures of our Sisters at Saint Augustine School were instrumental in her desire to become a Sister of Saint Joseph. She said that they always had time to talk with her, and that they were loving to all of the school children. She remarked on their kind concern for her mother. Responding to questions about her experiences in community living in her early years, she stated: “I liked it from the beginning.”
In her interview, Catherine further noted about her experience of the Villa: “We get the best treatment; everyone is so kind.” Sister Catherine will be remembered for her welcoming spirit as a receptionist; one could often hear her singing. Her happy disposition and loving presence will be missed. Farewell to a true daughter of Saint Joseph!
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