Kathleen “Eleanor Patricia” Haughey

Sister Kathleen Haughey, SNDdeN celebrates her 75th Jubilee in 2025 with deep gratitude for the many blessings and experiences that have shaped her journey. 

Born in White Plains, New York, on April 20, 1932, Sister Kathleen was the fourth of seven children of Eleanor (Boyle) and Patrick Haughey, both immigrants from Donegal, Ireland. Her childhood included moves from New York to Wernersville, Pennsylvania, where she fondly recalls joyful walks to Saturday catechesis and receiving her First Communion at St. Isaac Jogues Jesuit Novitiate. Later, in Philadelphia, Sister Kathleen attended West Catholic Girls High School, where she came to know and admire the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Their influence, she says, inspired her call to religious life. 

Sister Kathleen entered the convent on August 6, 1950. After professing vows, she began her ministry as an elementary school teacher and earned her bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. Her growing interest in speech pathology led her to pursue graduate studies, including summer courses at North Carolina State University in Greensboro and eventually a master’s degree in the field. This opened new doors for her ministry, especially in education. 

She expanded to mission internationally as well. A sabbatical year in Glasgow, Scotland, allowed Sister Kathleen to volunteer at a Child Guidance Center with SNDdeN Sisters. She also participated in summer language teaching programs in Mexico and Nigeria, experiences she treasures for their cultural richness and spiritual depth. Upon returning to the United States, she worked in public schools in Baltimore, Maryland, specializing in speech pathology. Later, she served in pastoral ministry at St. Thomas More Parish, where her compassionate presence touched many lives. Her work with Notre Dame Associates remains another highlight of her service. 

Reflecting on these 75 years, Sister Kathleen sees her story as one woven with love, faith and the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit. She cherishes the many messengers—family, friends, teachers, mentors, and especially her fellow Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur—who supported her along the way. Today, she continues her journey in Ipswich, Massachusetts, living joyfully in a praying community of Sisters. 

The Thread
Something is very gently,
Invisibly, silently,
pulling at me–a thread …
a stirring of wonder makes me
catch my breath when I feel
the tug of it … 

Denise Levertov 

Updated in 2025