Sister Kathleen Thomas Vail, CSJ, 91

Sister Kathleen Thomas Vail, CSJ, 91, died Feb. 24 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House in Latham. She was a Sister of St. Joseph for 71 years. 

Sister Kathleen (Jean Ann Vail) was born Aug. 13, 1929 in Little Falls, the daughter of Maurice and Hazel Chadwick Vail. Sister Kathleen graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Little Falls and on Sept. 15, 1949, she entered religious life at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Troy. She made first profession of vows in March 1952 and professed final vows on Aug. 15, 1957.

Sister Kathleen completed a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from The College of St. Rose and a master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Hawaii. She taught in several schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses. From 1968-80 and from 1984-94, Sister Kathleen served in the schools of Oahu, Honolulu, and Maui, Hawaii. Sister Kathleen was an enthusiastic mathematics teacher who loved teaching and her students. Drawing on her own interest in sports, she was a loyal fan of the school sports teams.

Upon her return to Latham in 1994, Sister Kathleen generously spent her time and energy as a driver and companion to her sisters until her retirement in 2007.

In addition to her parents, Sister Kathleen was predeceased by her brothers, Richard and Father Thomas Vail, as well as by her sister, Kathleen Gressler. She is survived by her sister, Jean Vogt, and her brother, Maurice Vail, and her many nieces and nephews.

Due to the continued health concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation or funeral services at this time. A Memorial Mass and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.