Sr. Kathleen Sheskaitis, IHM, died on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was 88 years old.
Sr. Kathleen Louise Sheskaitis was born at home in Ecorse, Michigan, April 6, 1937. The first child of Stanley and Christine (Metreck) Sheskaitis, she was baptized at St. Peter Lithuanian Church, Detroit. Sister's family later welcomed younger brother, Larry, and sister, Gloria.
Sister attended St. Brigid Elementary School in Ecorse. She excelled in academics and enjoyed lessons in both piano and cello. After graduating from Detroit's Immaculata High School in 1955, Kathleen entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe and received the religious name, Sr. Rose de Lima.
Sister received a bachelor’s degree from Marygrove College, a master’s degree in education from Wayne State University, a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Sr. Kathleen devoted her life to education ministry, not only in schools but also through her direction in parish ministry, diocesan and national administration and chaplaincy programs.
Sister's ministry took her across the country, beginning with 10 years dedicated to teaching in Michigan at St. Mary, Mount Morris; Christ the King, Holy Trinity, and St. Agnes, Detroit; Sacred Heart, Roseville; and St. Michael, Monroe.
At St. Agnes, Sr. Kay, as she was known, transitioned to parish ministry as a pastoral associate. In the Archdiocese of Portland, she opened and directed one of the first diocesan lay ministry offices until 1990. In St. Louis, she directed the Rural Ministry Education Institute until its closure in 1993. From St. Louis, Sr. Kay relocated to Milwaukee to lead the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops’ Office of Certification and Accreditation for over 20 years. Her work with this national office was recognized with a national honor from the Association of Catholic Chaplains.
For many years of ministry and retirement, Sr. Kay resided in Milwaukee. She continued her education and ministry in clinical pastoral education and spiritual direction. She participated in many local prayer movements and brought beauty and joy to the lives of many who were also seeking the charism of Vatican II.
Sr. Kay is survived by her nephews and their families, a lifetime of good friends and her IHM Sisters in community. She was preceded in death by her brother, Lawrence Stevens and her sister, Gloria Flucke.
A service will be held Saturday, April 11, at 10 a.m. in the Maxis Community Room at the Saint Therese IHM Senior Living Community, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe. Per Sr. Kay’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements are under the direction of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Avenue, Monroe, MI 48162-7909.
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