Sister Marian Joseph

Sister Marian Joseph of the Sacred Heart, OCD, (Carol Ann Kenz), 77, a member of the Carmelite Community, died Saturday, September 27, 2014 at the Carmelite Monastery, Iron Mountain, located at US 2 - M-95. Sister Marian Joseph was born on May 16, 1937 in Queens, New York, the daughter of the late Michael and Christine Kenz. After completing college, Carol entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood, NY on September 12, 1958, eventually making her Final Profession there on August 30, 1964. She generously served her Community in various capacities such as English teacher for Junior and Senior High students, Religious education Coordinator, Librarian, Community treasurer and Council member. Sister Marian Joseph is survived by several cousins in Croatia, as well as her dear friend, Sister Patricia Perry, CSJ, and several other members of the Sisters of St. Joseph with whom she always remained very close through the years. Sister Marian Joseph was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Christine Kenz. Sister transferred to the Carmelite Monastery of the Holy Cross on June 19, 1987 taking the name, Sister Marian Joseph of the Sacred Heart, OCD and pronounced her Profession of Perpetual Vows as an Extern Sister on October 15, 1991. For the next 27 years Sister selflessly served our Carmelite Community as a dedicated Extern Sister which was truly a blessing for us. With her delightful "New York" accent, her warm, childlike and friendly personality as well as her phenomenal memory in regard to people's names, family members and particular needs, she easily made anyone who came to the Monastery feel they were an important and welcome part of our family and that their intentions would be kept in our hearts and prayers. Sister's ability to relate in this way came from her deep and personal love for Christ, her Spouse, and in her desire to express this love in reaching out to all whom He would send her way each day. Having been an only child, Sister seemed to find her greatest joy in being a part of our "family" in Carmel and was a truly loving, compassionate member of our Community, always ready to help or serve where she could. How we miss her hearty laugh at recreation which could express so well her simple, heartfelt happiness and spread that joy around her. As Sister Marian Joseph's declining physical condition made it necessary to seek outside professional care which we could not provide at the Monastery, she found at Maryhill Manor a true "home away from home" and often expressed to us her happiness at being there. We want to thank lone Harris, Sister Marian Joseph's roommate at Maryhill Manor, for being such a wonderful friend and true "sister" to her. We wish to express our gratitude also, to the entire Staff at Maryhill Manor for the respectful, patient and skilled care they extended to Sister Marian Joseph during the year and a half that she was a resident there. May God abundantly reward you! Visitation will be held today from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Monastery Chapel. A public prayer service will follow at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at the Monastery Chapel by Our Most Reverend Bishop John F. Doerfler on Tuesday at 10:00 am. Burial will be in the Carmelite Monastery Cemetery. Memorials of Masses may be offered to the Carmelite Monastery in lieu of flowers. The Carmelite Community has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Sister Marian Joseph

May 16, 1937 - September 27, 2014