Sr. Kathleen Gorman, OP, of the Dominican Sisters in Sparkill, died in Calvary Hospital in the Bronx on June 26, 2026. She was 80 years old.
Kathleen Ann was born in New York City on Nov. 21, 1945, to Bernard and Mary Cassidy Gorman. She entered the Dominican Congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sparkill on Sept. 8, 1963, and received the name Sister Ellen Bernard. She professed her first vows in 1965 and final vows in 1972.
Sr. Kathleen earned a bachelor’s degree in education from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill in 1974; a master’s degree in mathematics from Manhattan College in the Bronx in 1974; and certification as an alcoholism counselor from Trenton State University in 1988.
Sr. Kathleen began her teaching ministry at St. Anthony School in the Bronx (1966-1968); St. Paul School in Valley Cottage (1968-1970); Holy Family School in Hicksville (1970-1977); Rosary Academy in Sparkill (1977-1978); and as principal at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Middletown (1978-1981). Sr. Kathleen then shared her gifts in a variety of ministries in New York and New Jersey: Associate Director of the Parish School Planning Program in the Bronx (1984-1986); Staff Member at Emmaus House, Elberon, N.J. (1986-1990); Program Coordinator, Regina Residence, Brentwood (1990-1996); Executive Team Member, Dominican Sisters of Sparkill (1996-2000); Family Therapist (2000-2006) and Director of Counseling (2006-2013), Touchstone Hall, Rockleigh, N.J.; MICA Coordinator, Lukens House, West Nyack (2014-2022); and Congregational Archivist (2023-2026).
Sr. Kathleen is predeceased by her parents, Bernard and Mary, her sister Mary Ellen, and her brother Joseph. She is survived by her beloved cousins, Teresa O’Neill, Pauline and Michael Altobelli, Anna O’Neill, Sister Rose Ellen Gorman, OP, Jeanne and Paul Hveem, and her Dominican Sisters, Associates, and friends.
Sr. Kathleen Gorman enriched the lives of students, parents, and colleagues through her ministry in education, both as a teacher and as a principal. Her commitment to serving the most vulnerable is evident in her efforts to support unwed mothers by offering counseling, prenatal care, and education. Additionally, her work as a counselor to those suffering from addiction and mental health challenges highlights her deep commitment to embodying the ministry of accompaniment. Through her unfailing witness to God’s love for all, Sr. Kathleen brought healing, growth, and joy to so many. May her goodness and compassion continue to live in those whom she served and inspired. May she now be welcomed into God’s loving embrace. Well done, good and faithful servant, Sr. Kathleen Gorman. May the road rise up to meet you, and may you be held lovingly in the palm of God’s hand!
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, July 8, at the Dominican Convent.