Obituary of Karen Kennelly, CSJ

Karen Kennelly, CSJ

A noted historian, author, and scholar, a lover of nature, sports, cooking, and reading, a faithful companion to family and friends, this wonderfully spirited and witty woman was born on August 4, 1933, and died peacefully in the evening of December 15, 2023, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul. She was the youngest of five children born to Walter and Clara (Eastman) Kennelly, in Graceville, MN, and entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) in 1951, where she was given the name Sister Dolorosa. Karen’s educational path was vast, including a BA in History and English from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul (1956), an MA in History from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC (1958), a PhD in History from the University of California, Berkeley (1962), post-doctoral studies at the Hispanic-American and Luso-Brazillian Center, Stanford University (1964), and the American Council of Learned Societies Fellowship, post-doctoral research in Spain (1965). Karen was missioned to teach at the College of St. Catherine as Professor, and later Chair of the History Department (1956-1969). She then joined the administration of the college as Academic Dean (1970-1979), where she was instrumental in establishing the Weekend College Program. In 1979 she was appointed Executive Director of the National Federation of Carondelet Colleges, and from 1982-1988 served as Director of the CSJ St. Paul Province. Karen was then appointed President of Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles, where she faithfully served for 11 years. In 2001 she was selected to serve on the CSJ Congregational Leadership Team where she was an indomitable force advocating for leadership and growth among Associate/Consociate programs, and for furthering the acknowledgement and history of religious women, which resulted in a successful museum exhibit at the Smithsonian entitled: Women & Spirit: Catholic Sisters in America. Karen authored numerous publications and historical articles including the book Speaking the Language of Love: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Japan. Among her many awards and honors Karen received the Alexandrine Medal from the College of St. Catherine recognizing her as “a deeply spiritual woman, sensitive to the diverse nuances of culture; one whose vision and diligent work turns countless possibilities into realities.” She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marcia Elchoff; her brothers Clarence, Jack and Keith Kennelly. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, cousins, dear friends, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, St. Paul Province. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 11:00 AM, in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph Ministries Foundation.

Dear Karen, rest in love and peace.