Sister Clare "Kate" Walsh

Sister Clare Walsh also known as Cathleen “Kate” Walsh, 76, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Sister Clare Walsh dedicated her life to the service of God as a member of the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart. Kate was a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

Born on May 28, 1949 in Stoneham, MA, Kate was the daughter of the late James and Ruth (Cummiskey) Walsh. She grew up in Wakefield, MA alongside her twin sister, Clare Fauvel (deceased), and her younger brother, Jim Walsh, of Andover, MA. Kate was a 1967 graduate of Wakefield High School, where she formed lifelong friendships.

At the age of 18, Kate answered God’s call and joined the convent to become a Catholic nun. She became a member of the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart, a congregation of Catholic women in Baltimore providing religious education, pastoral care, spiritual direction, and social services. She took her final vows on June 28, 1975, honoring her beloved twin sister by taking the religious name of Sister Clare.

Her early ministries in faith formation brought her to North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and New York. In 1980, she returned to Boston to serve at the New England Medical Center, where she spent eight years as Director of Pastoral Care and 19 years co-leading the Ethics Consultation Center. During this time, she also cared for her parents in their final years in Dennis, MA.

In 1999, Kate enrolled in the Jesuit School of Theology to earn a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Direction and then served for three years at the Center for Religious Development. In 2005, the Jesuit Provincial asked Sister Clare to be the Provincial Assistant for Ignatian Spirituality and the Associate Director of the Jesuit Collaborative where she served until 2015. In recent years, she taught a practicum in spiritual direction at Boston College and directed retreats in the Ignatian tradition.

Kate’s dedication to her calling was matched only by her devotion to her family and friends. She cherished every moment spent with the people she loved, celebrating holidays and special occasions with the same enthusiasm she brought to everyday phone calls and shared meals. One of her greatest joys was being an aunt, a role into which she poured her whole heart. Whether hosting overnights in Boston, spending sun-filled days at Mayflower Beach, embarking on shopping marathons, or sharing FaceTime calls, she had a gift for making even the smallest moments feel magical—creating memories her nieces and nephews will treasure forever.

Kate is survived by her cherished brother, Jim Walsh, and sister-in-law, Jean Walsh, as well as her brother-in-law, David Fauvel. She was lovingly known as “Auntie Katie” to Laura, Julie, Katie, Kellie, Jimmy, Joshua, Olivia, Andrew, Charlie, and Jackson.

Visitation for relatives and friends celebrating Kate’s life will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday, December 5th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph’s Church, 173 Albion St., Wakefield at 12:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sister Clare’s memory to the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart at https://missionhelpers.org/donate-online.