Sister Mary Corita Keane

Sister Mary Corita Keane, RSM, died peacefully on August 4, 2025 at Our Lady of Mercy Convent, Auburn, CA. Born to Bridget and Henry Keane on July 29, 1938, in Ballybrehony, Claremorris, County Mayo, Ireland. Sister Mary Corita entered the Sisters of Mercy on February 17, 1958. The second youngest of eight siblings, Sister is preceded in death by her parents Bridget and Henry and her siblings, John, Jim, Rose, Patrick, Martin, and Peter. She is survived by her sister, Sister Mary Angelus and her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins.

Professed in 1960, Sister Mary Corita devoted 35 years of service in elementary school education at Holy Cross, West Sacramento; Sacred Heart and Holy Spirit schools, Sacramento; St. Joseph School, North Sacramento; St. Joseph School, Auburn and St. Joseph School, Redding. After leaving full time teaching, Sister Corita ministered as a volunteer educator is a variety of Catholic schools in Sacramento as well as at St. Mary's Academy in Grass Valley.

Rich in empathy and a desire to be of service to those experiencing poverty, Sister Corita worked at Loaves and Fishes on days when the Sisters of Mercy served lunch to the guests. That ministry led to her service at Quinn Cottages transitional housing. In addition to her ministries, Sister Corita served as part of the support team for Mercy Associates as well as a sponsor for new pre-associates.

Sister Mary Corita retired from active ministry in 2018. A vigil service will be held for her on Wednesday August 6, at 6:30pm at the Convent of Our Lady of Mercy, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn, CA. The funeral liturgy will take place the Thursday August 7th at 11:00am at the Convent. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made in her memory to the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, 535 Sacramento Street, Auburn, CA. 95603 or to Cristo Rey High School. Arrangements by W.F. Gormley & Sons