Remembering Sister Kevin John Shields, OP

There was a special dedication of a Memorial Garden for S. Kevin John Shields, OP on Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 2PM at the Church of St. Joseph, 180 Sullivan Street, Wurtsboro, NY.

It was sponsored by the Archdiocese of New York, the Department of Youth Faith Formation, and the Church of St. Joseph Ave Maria Guild.

Parishioners, co-workers, friends, and family gathered to honor our beloved S. Kevin John Shields. Sister Marie Rabuse, a member of Kevin’s set, along with Peggy Krajci and Judy Flanagan represented the congregation. Father Ed Bader, who had celebrated Kevin’s funeral Mass when she died suddenly this past January, presided at the Dedication.

Father Ed said the garden is “a beautiful place in honor of a beautiful person.” Not only does the garden, which is located on the church property, contain an attractive array of plants, but also it has mementoes of Kevin including a small statue of a golden retriever similar to her dog and a replica of a deer just like the deer that delighted Kevin when they visited her back yard. A plaque with the Dominican cross noted Kevin’s many years of serving as Faith Formation Director for Sullivan, Ulster, and Orange counties. The parishioners served refreshments and extended hospitality after the ceremony. Just as they graciously hold Kevin in their hearts and memories, may we hold them in our prayer.

Donations toward the Memorial will be gratefully accepted and acknowledged and received by the Church of St. Joseph.