Sister Katherine McPeak (Sister Marion Patrick), CSJ, 82, died at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham on May 16.
Sister Katherine, a native of Jordan, N.Y., was the daughter of James McPeak and Alice Moore McPeak. After graduation from Jordan Central, Katherine attended The College of St. Rose in Albany. In September 1960, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Albany, making first vows in March 1963 and pronouncing ­final vows in August 1968.

Sister Katherine completed her B.A. in Social Studies at The College of St. Rose in 1965 and an MLS in Library Science at SUNY Albany in 1970. Her initial ministry was teaching junior high social studies in schools of the ­Albany and Syracuse dioceses. In 1969, Sister Katherine began her cherished ministry as a librarian at The College of St. Rose. Her smile, gentle sense of humor and willingness to assist students and faculty in the Neil Hellman Library, established her as a treasured member of the Saint Rose Community. Sister Katherine continued her ministry at St. Rose for almost 30 years. She experienced a flare-up of a serious physical condition with which she had been struggling for some years and needed intensive physical therapy. Sister Katherine moved to the Provincial House in Latham to continue that treatment.

Sister Katherine was asked to undertake the direction of the Provincial House Library. Initially this meant that she, with the ­assistance of several sisters, needed to adapt what had been a library resource for college classes to become a center for the house. The bright cheerful library became a gathering place which provided both informative and entertaining resources for residents.

A test for the dedication and resilience of Sister Katherine and her volunteer staff occurred when the beautiful library area was needed as space for the health care services at the Provincial House. The entire library was moved to another smaller area on a different floor. While a physically and emotionally draining task, the new location soon took on its former role as a center for all those who loved its many resources. 

In addition to her parents, Sister Katherine was also predeceased by her sister, Patricia Ely. She is survived by caring nephews and cousins. Her memory is also cherished by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, her colleagues from The College of Saint Rose, and the many Provincial House staff members who not only cared for her but were inspired by her life and courage.

Contributions in Sister Katherine’s memory may be made to: The Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110.