A Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary for 75 years, died on August 20, 2026, at Regina Residence in Orange, California. Kathleen was born in Galway, Ireland on June 5, 1933 to Mary and Thomas McHugh. Kathleen completed her Bachelor’s degree at Marymount College, Los Angeles, and advanced degrees at Immaculate Heart College and the University of Santa Clara.
Kathleen entered the RSHM Novitiate in Tarrytown, New York in 1949, and then taught elementary school in Brooklyn. In 1951, she was missioned to California where she first taught at Marymount Junior School, Palos Verdes. Kathleen served as a high school educator, administrator, and counselor at Marymount Junior School, Palos Verdes; Corvallis HS, Studio City; Mother Butler HS, San Jose; and Marymount HS, LA. She then became engaged in public service as a social worker and addiction counselor in San Jose and San Diego.
Kathleen is predeceased by her parents and siblings and survived by nieces and nephews and her RSHM Sisters.
Services will be held at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange Chapel on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM, 460 S Batavia St, Orange. Graveside Services will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W Slauson Ave, Culver City, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, 441 N Garfield Ave, Montebello, CA 90640.
