January 9, 1944 – September 9, 2024
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Catherine “Kate” Filla, who passed away on September 9, 2024, at Nazareth Living Center in St. Louis. She was 80 years of age.
Sister Kate was born on January 9, 1944, in University City, Missouri, to parents Francis Thomas and Rose Ann (Zemann) Filla. Sister Kate was born, baptized and confirmed in All Saints Parish in University City, Missouri. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1961 and was received into the novitiate in 1962 as Sister Joan Thomas. A graduate of Rosati-Kain High School, Fontbonne College, Case Western Reserve and Colorado College, she earned a bachelor’s degree in French and a master’s in teaching foreign language.
Sister Kate began teaching at Little Flower High School in Chicago from 1966 to 1969. She moved to Denver and taught at St. Francis de Sales High School from 1969 to 1973. Returning to the St. Louis Diocese, she taught at Valle High School in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, from 1973 until 1985, then at St. Louis Preparatory Seminaries until 1991, also serving as the student council moderator in both schools.
Sister Kate served as the administrative assistant for the Sisters of St. Joseph St. Louis Province Office. She served as secretary and office manager at Our Lady of Life Apartments in St. Louis.
From 2000 to 2013, Sister Kate served as an administrative team member for CSJ Care, providing home services for the elderly while working in collaboration with other home care agencies in the St. Louis area.
She served our community as the director of candidates from 2010 to 2012. In 2013, she served as docent at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Motherhouse, providing tours for visitors, conducting research and writing articles about the early foundation in the United States of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet until the spring of 2024. She had recently moved to Nazareth Living Center to carry out her ministry of prayer and presence.
Sister Kate was also a certified reflexologist and offered classes in reflexology, spirituality and wellness.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 21 at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Chapel in the Carondelet Motherhouse, located at 6400 Minnesota Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province, 6400 Minnesota Ave. St. Louis, MO 63111-2899 or donate online.