Sr. Catherine Cavataio, IHM, was the only daughter of four children born to Isadore and Mary (Englese) Cavataio. She was born on Aug. 2, 1930, in Detroit. She attended St. Rose Grade School and High School in Detroit.

Sr. Cavataio entered the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Monroe in 1951 and received the religious name of Sr. Mary Alan.

She earned a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Arts in education from Marygrove College. In her early teaching career, she taught all subjects in the elementary grades at Holy Trinity, St. Matthew and St. George, Detroit; St. Phillip, Battle Creek; and Our Lady Queen of Peace, Harper Woods. She served in administration and as principal at Our Lady of Good Counsel, Detroit. In the mid-1980s, she began teaching adult students at the IHM Human Potential Center, Monroe, and as Learning Center coordinator at Marygrove College.

Sr. Cavataio retired to the IHM Motherhouse in 2010.

She is survived by her brother William and many nieces and nephews. Her brothers, Sam and Joseph, preceded her in death.

Mass of the Resurrection for Sr. Cavataio was April 1. Memorials may be made to the IHM Retirement Fund, 610 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162-7909.