Kathleen Joyce Mullins was born November 24, 1948 in Fort Benton, Montana at St. Claire Hospital. She passed away July 12, 2023 in Helena.
Kathleen was the third child, and first daughter, to Ed and Verda Joyce. After that, there were five more brothers and seven more sisters. She and her family lived in Geraldine, Montana, a small farming and ranching community, 26 miles from Fort Benton. She attended elementary and high school, graduating in 1966.
In 1967, Kathleen enrolled at Carroll College in Helena, Montana to pursue a nursing degree. The following year she enrolled at Marillac College in St. Louis, Missouri where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing and became a Registered Nurse in 1971.
When she enrolled at Marillac College, she felt God’s call to be a Sister (Nun) and joined the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth in Kansas. She spent several years working as a nurse and nun. Her ceaseless investment and long hours resulted in a call to become a traveling nurse, so she took a leave of absence from the Sisters of Charity and for the next ten years worked in numerous states with various situations.
Kathleen returned to Montana and announced her decision to take a dispensation of her vows and membership as a Sister of Charity and became the Director of the Wellness Center at Carroll College for twenty years. After forty-four years as a Registered Nurse she retired.
Kathleen felt so grateful and happy to be blessed with family, friends and memorable experiences with teachers, students, doctors, and nurses.
She is survived by her husband Gerard, seven brothers and 7 sisters.
Funeral Services will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1502 Shirley Rd., Helena, Montana on July 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to God’s Love, Friendship Center, or Mental Health Organizations.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday July 27, 2023
Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
Luncheon
Following the service
Thursday July 27, 2023
Our Lady of The Valley Catholic Church
1502 Shirley Road
Helena, Montana 59602
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Janet and Dennis Sheehy says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Kathleen’s family. She was a very special and dedicated lady. We are thankful for all the help and friendship she has given us.
John Joyce says
Dear sweet Kathleen. She is dancing in the loving arms of Jesus. A blessed time for her. She is loved by so many far and wide. She stayed with us for a week in Louisiana; we didn’t want her to leave. Cathy’s and our kids had a really great time while she was there. We will see her again. Love to all the Montana family, the Mullins, the Joyce’s and all. Praise God for her. John and Cathy Joyce ❤️ ♥️ 💕
Carol Henderson says
Dear Gerard and Family,
I will miss seeing the two of you walking arm-in-arm up the sidewalk or to the mail box; for that is how I will always remember Kathleen–with you, the two of you showing each other that unmatched sense of devotion. I know Katheen is in heaven where she surely belongs. I will keep you, Gerard and the rest of her family in my prayers.
Lynne Maierle says
Kathleen was part of my life since our student nurse days @ Carroll. She was a gift to everyone who knew her. We thank God that Gerard came into her life . She was one in a million. RIP Lynne Maierle
Marj Trudnowski-Masla says
Kathleen was special part of my life and I am so very thankful for the time we had together while she was married to my dad. She was the love of his life and in their twenty years together the two of them were dedicated parents and grandparents to me and my siblings, 12 grandkids and many great-grandchildren. Their home on Canyon Ferry was a very special place for all of us to gather, eat from the garden and the fish caught in the lake. You will be missed Kathleen and now are at peace with all those who were waiting for you. Love you! Marj Trudnowski-Masla
Florence H Shaw says
You will be missed by many as you were a very special person.
May you find eternal peace with those who await and those who one day will be by your side again.
A wonderful human being to all will most definitely be part of your legacy.
RIP sweet lady.
Flossie Shaw
Loretta Andrews says
There are many words to describe Kathleen including kind, gracious, and affectionate. She was truly full of grace. An encounter with Kathleen in your day always made you feel special as she approached all with a smile and a warm touch. She was definitely one of the saints that made Carroll College so special. Kathleen will be missed.
Larriann Murphy says
To the Joyce, Murphy, Trudinowski and Mullins families,
I am so sorry to hear about Kathleen. I had the privilege of working with Kathleen at WestMont. She loved visiting home bound patients and they loved her. She will be missed!
Linda Pouliot says
She certainly was very kind and gracious to all who met her.❤️
And one of God’s SAINTS ON EARTH🙏🏼
RIP Kathleen You will be missed🤟🏼
Love&Prayers to all her families &friends❤️🙏🏼
Cynde says
Kathleen, you will be so missed! One of my greatest mentors and colleague! Your contribution to Carroll and St Peter’s is unmeasurable. You kindness and encouragement meant so much to me. RIP my dear Kathleen
Jerry & Jeanne Rusch says
Our thoughts & prayers are with our Joyce cousins as you celebrate Kathleen’s life today. It will seem strange not to have your oldest sister to confide in now. She was very special to us as she visited us in Omaha & Pardeeville. We shared many letters & phone calls to keep in touch. Thank you Gerard for taking great care of Kathy. We love each of you, but do not have addresses to express our thoughts. May you receive this message. Keep trusting Jesus as your Saviour, as Kathy expressed her faith many times! LOVE & HUGS from Jeanne (McMahon) & Jerry Rusch
Neil & Ellen Olson says
We are thinking of you and praying for you, Gerard, and all my dear Joyce cousins today. We know you will celebrate and remember Kathleen’s life with much love and gratitude but the void and sorrow will be felt deeply. I have fond memories of Kathy’ and her infectious smile. Whenever she was in Wisconsin to visit family, it was always a joy to spend time with her.
I don’t remember what year it was when we had the reunion at the park in Portage but unfortunately I have not seen most of you since that time. I think of you all often and have loved seeing the family pictures when you’ve all been together. I wish we could see you all and give you a hug but know that we love you all! May God strengthen and comfort you today.
Ellen (McMahon) and Neil Olson
Brandy Sanders says
Kathleen was such a warm, caring person, and i am so honored to have had her as a friend. I had the privilege of getting to know Kathleen while working together at Carroll College, and I will never forget the immense compassion and calming guidance she offered me during a family member’s health crisis … she helped ne understand the situation better and gave me insight that helped allay my family’s fears. God knew that Kathleen was exactly the person that my family needed in that time. It was amazing how she demonstrated that same level of concern and compassion to everyone else she crossed paths with, too! She was a truly kind soul who will be missed.
Rest in peace, Kathleen!
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
Having had worked with Kathleen I thought she was a person who was very kind to all. She will be greatly missed.