1930
2016
Sister Kathleen Francis Honc, 85, passed away Sept. 9, 2016 at St. Clare Community of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Her given name at birth was Margaret Theresa Honc. She was born Oct. 22, 1930 to Vincent and Ludmila Sushil Honc of Bokeelia, FL.
She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1947 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1954. For more than 69 years, Sister Kathleen was devoted to the life and Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany.
She attended grade school at Pine Island in Bokeelia, FL and St. Francis Xavier in Fort Myers. In 1945 she entered Senior High in Fort Myers. Within a year, she decided to answer the call of religious life and successfully applied to the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. After entering, Sister Kathleen completed her high school degree at St. Elizabeth Academy in Allegany, NY and went on to earn her B.S. degree in Education from St. Elizabeth Teacher's College (now a part of St. Bonaventure University) in 1963. Between teaching assignments, Sister Kathleen completed graduate work at Simmons College in Boston, MA; Siena College in Loudonville, NY; and Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL. In 1968, she was thrilled to receive her M.A. degree in Home Economic Education.
Sister Kathleen started out teaching students in the younger grades within the Congregation's schools in New York, North Carolina, and Florida. During her many assignments, she taught Religious Education, Home Economics, Language studies, and while at Bishop Verot in Ft. Myers served briefly as Yearbook advisor and Maintenance Director. As time allowed, she lovingly shared her fondness for music through piano lessons and Choir. In later years, Sister's great love and reverence for her fellow human beings led her to Pastoral work in the parishes of Ft. Myers, Tampa and Clearwater. Reluctantly, she eventually recognized her need for a slower physical pace in 2001 and began a volunteer ministry. Sister Kathleen became fully retired in 2007 and was warmly welcomed home to the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany. For nearly a decade, she delighted in the camaraderie of her sisters in Allegany and in sharing her love of baking with them.
Sister Kathleen is predeceased by her parents; sisters, Marie Honc, Mila Pottinger, Elizabeth Himschoot, Sister Vincent Honc, Agnes Ruppert, Patricia Honc; and a brother, Vincent Honc. She is survived by her brother, John, as well as several nieces and nephews.
A wake is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 23rd, from 5 -8 PM at Hodges-Kiser Funeral Home, 9231 Cypress Lake Dr., Fort Myers. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 AM on Monday, Oct. 24th, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2157 Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. Sister Kathleen will be laid to rest at Fort Myers Cemetery.
Arrangements under the direction of HODGES-KISER FUNERAL HOME, Fort Myers, FL.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
October 22, 2016
Joseph D'Alessandro
May the "Peace of the Lord" be with your family. May you rest in Peace.
Joseph D'Alessandro and family
October 18, 2016
`Anne
My deepest sympathies goes out to the Honc family during a difficult time. Psalm 18:2 comfort you; "My God is my Rock. I shall take refuge in him."
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