St, Mary-of-the-Woods, IN - ST, MARY-OF-THE-WOODS - Sister Kathleen Dede died on May 25 in Providence Health Care, St. Mary-of-the-Woods. She was born on Sept. 25, 1935 in Terre Haute to Arthur and Helena O'Leary Dede and was baptized Kathleen Therese.

Sister entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Feb. 2, 1954 and received the name Sister Marie Arthur. She professed Final Vows Aug. 15, 1961. She earned a bachelor's degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College and master's degrees in Social Work from Saint Louis University and theology from Franciscan School of Theology in Berkeley. In the 71 years as a Sister of Providence, Sister Kathleen used her skills in many different ways. She ministered as teacher for 13 years in schools in Indiana and Illinois. She was principal and teacher in 1968-69 at St. Mary Village School. Leaving teaching for training in social work, she ministered as a social worker in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana for 11 years, including one year, 1978-79, at Katherine Hamilton in Terre Haute. She then earned a degree in theology and served in campus ministry in University of California, Davis for six years, at the same time serving as provincial councilor in the California province of the Congregation. She then spent four years in Mississippi followed by a move to Florida where, in both locations, she served in both parishes and schools, She retired in 2004 but remained in Florida for five more years, ministering in a variety of ways. She continued her volunteer service when she moved to Indianapolis in 2010 and then to the Motherhouse in 2016. Beginning in 2020, she committed herself totally to the ministry of prayer.

A woman of many talents, a woman who loved to be with people and to be of service to them, a woman motivated by love and concern, Sister Kathleen spread joy wherever she went. She is survived by three sisters, Sister Patricia Dede, OSB, of Beech Grove, IN, Sister Mary Mark Dede, SP and Sister Eileen Dede, SP, both of St. Mary-of-the-Woods. She is preceded in death by a sister, Angele M. Dede and three brothers, Rev. James Dede, Rev. Paul Dede, and Rev. John Dede. The wake is on Wednesday, July 9, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception with the Wake Service at 4:30 p.m., continuing at 9:00 the next day. The Mass of Christian Burial is on Thursday, July 10, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Terry Johnson presiding. Burial is in the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence. DeBaun Funeral Homes and Crematory assisted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876.