Remembering Sister Elizabeth Kerwin, CSJ

April 21, 1933 – June 16, 2025

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Elizabeth “Liz” Kerwin, CSJ, who died peacefully on June 16, 2025, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota. Compassionate, wise, and loving; generous, faithful, and kind, Liz, was truly the “face of God” for those who loved her.

Liz entered this world on April 21, 1933. She was the eldest of four children born to Paul and Elizabeth (Caulfield) Kerwin, in St. Paul. Her young life was simple and happy with favorite activities like music, swimming, ice skating, as well as schooling at St. Joseph’s Academy.

Upon graduation, Liz decided to enter the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in St. Paul, where she received the habit and the name Paul Elizabeth on March 19, 1952.

Her educational path was extensive, including a bachelor of arts in biology and math from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul (1957); a master of science in biology from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana (1966); and a certificate in spiritual direction from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington (1983). Liz spent summers studying bioethics, health care ethics and nutrition at many state universities from around the country.

She loved to read the best works of poets like Mary Oliver, theologians, philosophers like Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, ecologists, and spiritual guides like James Martin, SJ. These great minds informed her vocation as a creative, beloved teacher at many schools run by the Sisters of St. Joseph, professor at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, and St. Mary’s Junior College in Minneapolis, and Spiritual Director at Loyola in St. Paul. Liz served 36 years at the Center (later named Loyola Spirituality Center) with 20 years as director. She was acknowledged as co-founder of the Center in recognition of her outstanding leadership and contribution to its success.

Liz had a deep commitment to social justice work, believing “everything is gift, which puts us in right relationship with each other, since we are all connected and dependent with all of creation.” Loving music, Liz sang in the St. Kate’s Choral Society for more than 30 years and the CSJ Celebration Choir. She loved to garden and was an excellent cook who had an “open door” policy where friends and family often visited.

Liz will be dearly missed by all who loved her. She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Elizabeth (Caulfield) Kerwin. She is survived by her brother Paul Kerwin; her sisters Helen Magneson and Stevie Lloyd; many nieces, nephews, grand and great-grandnieces and nephews; dear friends; and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights.

Memorials in her honor are preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.

Dear Liz, rest in love and peace.