Thursday, 06 October 2011 09:33

Sister M. Kathleen Regan, 87, died Tuesday, Sept. 27. A wake service was held at 7 p.m., Sept. 28, at the Wichita Center of the Congregation of St. Joseph. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for her Thursday, Sept. 29, at Blessed Sacrament Church in Wichita.
A native of Independence, Dolores Marie Regan entered the Congregation of St. Joseph in Wichita, on March 19, 1943, and received the name Sister M. Kathleen. She had offered this name as a possible choice and was thrilled to be named after her two grandmothers.
Following the completion of her canonical year, Sister Kathleen began her ministry in education. She served as a teacher or principal in the following Catholic institutions in Kansas: St. Thomas, Kansas City; St. Mary, Ft. Scott; Blessed Sacrament, Wichita; St. Francis, St. Paul; Sacred Heart Cathedral School, Dodge City; St. John, Hoisington; and St. Mary, Derby.
From 1974 to 1977 Sister Kathleen taught in the education department at St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City. She then served as assistant to the president of the College on the east campus, which was located at St. Joseph Medical Center in Wichita. For many years Sister Kathleen was a driving force behind the hospital’s annual Emerald Ball.
In 1993 Sister Kathleen became the director of stewardship and development for Guadalupe Clinic in Wichita. The diocesan-sponsored medical clinic serves the health care needs of the uninsured. Sister served in this role until becoming ill two weeks ago.
Marlene Dreiling, director of the clinic, described Sister Kathleen as a woman of immense faith.
“She wanted to help all the less fortunate, especially those without insurance served by Guadalupe Clinic. Sister Kathleen was loved by all those associated with the clinic, especially the staff,” Dreiling said.
“She will be missed not only for the daily work that she did, but for being our spiritual leader. The mission of Guadalupe Clinic will continue to be guided by her spirit, dedication and example.”

Dan Loughman, chairperson of the clinic’s board, said Sister Kathleen had a great passion for the mission of the Guadalupe Clinic in serving the uninsured working poor.
“Her tireless efforts in seeking and working with volunteers, donors and staff in supporting the work of the clinic has been very instrumental in leaving a unique legacy truly in service to God and neighbor.”
Sister Kathleen is survived by her sister Sister Patricia Ann Regan, and numerous cousins. She said having a “Sister sister” to be “the greatest blessing I have received.”
Memorial contributions may be made to the Congregation of St. Joseph, 3700 E. Lincoln, Wichita, KS 67218. At Sister Kathleen’s request, those contributions will be given to the scholarship fund of the Spiritual Strengths Cancer Care Program at the Magnificat Center, which teaches persons with cancer and their caregivers how to rely on their personal spiritual strengths to deal with their own or a loved one’s illness.