Obituary of Sister Kathleen Thomas Vail, CSJ

Sister Kathleen Thomas Vail (91) died peacefully on February 24, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham.  Sister Kathleen (Jean Ann Vail) was born August 13, 1929 in Little Falls, New York, the daughter of Maurice and Hazel Chadwick Vail. She was a Sister of St. Joseph for 71 years. 

Sister graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in Little Falls, NY and on September 15, 1949, she entered religious life at St. Joseph’s Seminary in Troy, NY.  She made first profession of vows in March 1952 and professed final vows on August 15, 1957.

Sister Kathleen completed a BS in Elementary Education from the College of St. Rose and a MS, also in Elementary Education, from the University of Hawaii.  She taught in several schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses.  From 1968 until 1980 and from1984 to 1994, Sister Kathleen served in the schools of Oahu, Honolulu, and Maui, Hawaii.  Sister was an enthusiastic mathematics teacher who loved teaching and her students.  Drawing on her own interest in sports, she was a loyal fan of the school sports teams.  Sister Kathleen would be out watching school yard games, be an ardent spectator at school games, and travel with teams to their tournament appearances. 

A woman of many interests, Sister enjoyed reading, was an avid sports fan, especially for the Yankees, and welcomed opportunities for travel.  She treasured her family and loved family gatherings and vacations.   Sister was a lifelong learner, ready to participate in educational and spiritual programs.  Upon her return to Latham in 1994, she generously spent her time and energy as a driver and companion to her sisters until her retirement in 2007.  Sister Kathleen’s generosity was a gift she freely shared.

In addition to her parents, Sister was predeceased by her brothers Richard and Rev. Thomas Vail as well as by her sister, Kathleen Gressler.  She is survived by her sister, Jean Vogt and her brother, Maurice Vail and her many nieces and nephews.   Her presence will be missed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Albany Province and by the sisters with whom she lived and ministered in Hawaii where she spent many enjoyable years.

Due to the continued health concerns regarding the Covid 19 pandemic, there will be no public visitation or funeral services for Sister at this time.  A Memorial Mass and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

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