Sister Maureen Catherine Ashe

We gather as a faith community to celebrate and give thanks for the beautiful and meaningful life of Sister Maureen Catherine Ashe, formerly Sister Catherine de Lourdes, a Sister of St. Joseph for 70 grace-filled and happy years.

Maureen shared a rich, vibrant  life with her community of sisters and partners in mission at her beloved Sacred Heart Convent. .

The vibrant Catholic legacy of the Ashe family took root in America when Thomas and Catherine Ashe, two Irish immigrants made Brooklyn, notably Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, their home.  Maureen along with her seven siblings, Joseph, Thomas, Geraldine, Margaret, Nora, Kathleen, and Eileen were nurtured in values of faith, fidelity, kindness, hospitality, and outreach to the dear neighbor.  The faith community of OLPH, with its religious services, school activities, and, parish programs centered the lives of the Ashe family.Maureen attended St. Joseph High School and often reflected on how the joyful and dedicated spirit of the sisters who taught her fostered God’s call to religious life.Maureen entered the community in 1956 committed to a life of humble, joyful service to the people of God – a path that took her into a myriad of ministerial areas.

For the next 10 years, while obtaining her BS in education from Brentwood College, Maureen taught elementary school students in St. Christopher’s Baldwin.  Later, along with other sisters, she pioneered the opening of the elementary school in St. Patrick’s, Smithtown and went on to teach in Holy Name School in Valley Stream.

Pursuing a Master’s in Religious Education from St. Michael’s College in Vermont, Maureen brought her passion and dedication to the world of religious education for the next 11 years to the people of Incarnation Parish and the young people in the care of Little Flower Children and Family Services in Wading River.

Touched by the lives of orphaned and foster children at Little Flower- and the call of the Gospel to outreach to their families in need, Maureen went on to Fordham University for her Master’s in Social Work.

With the necessary resources, Maureen’s unwavering faith in the goodness and potential of each child made her a beacon of hope to all at Little Flower.

Continuing with a listening heart and her befriending spirit, Maureen’s career as a compassionate social worker for the next 25 years took her to the Religious Consultation Center in Douglaston,  Queens Hospital Center, and to her beloved Maria Regina Residence.
Throughout those years, Maureen’s gentle spirit and beautiful smile were the healing face of God to countless people.  She has been praised on social media as the epitome of Christ’s presence, open to everyone, without distinction.  Many of her former students and clients have exalted Maureen’s legacy of kindness and gentleness, personifying love of God in word and deed.

In retirement, Maureen continued as a sacrament of presence at daily Eucharist to the people of St. Bernard’s Parish and St. Christopher’s, always available as a relational listener and gracious supporter.
Maureen’s Sacred Heart community wanted to share that “whenever one thinks of her, the word that comes to mind is gratitude.”  She was always grateful even for the smallest act of kindness.

Maureen was also an avid painter with wonderful skills to capture a mood or moment whether it be a landscape of Ireland, the melodic waves at the beach, or just a moment filled with the joy of nature.

Maureen was prayerful in her approach to her life at Sacred Heart Convent.  Despite feeling under the weather at times, Maureen participated fully in the Rosary, Communal Reflection, and the Liturgy Committee.  Even when her voice faltered, she lifted her voice to God in unison with her  sisters.

You could always count on Maureen to participate with a full heart, no matter what – with her Irish wit and love of fun, always at play

Three weeks ago, Maureen celebrated her 89^th birthday while recuperating in Maria Regina Residence.  She was so happy to join in the festivities lovingly provided by Sister Cathi Kugler and the marvelous Pastoral Care Team.  She repeated over and over again her gratitude for the abundance of blessings that graced her life.  Today, we say with great gratitude, that you, Maureen were a blessing that graced our lives by your kind and gentle ways.

We have no doubt that your beloved sister Nora, along with your family have their arms open ready to embrace you in the fullness of life with your welcoming God – Rest in peace, dear friend and sister

We’re now grateful that Maureen’s niece Sheila Skae will share a reflection about her loving aunt.  Sheila’s reflection will be followed by our Community Ritual led by Sister Elizabeth Myles, Community Life Coordinator for Sacred Heart Convent.

Sister Maureen Catherine Ashe, the former Sister Catherine de Lourdes, died on February 4, 2026 in the 70th year of her religious life.