Sister Kathleen Joy Steck, IHM

Sister Kathleen Joy Steck, IHM, (formerly known as Sister Miriam Agnes) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton, PA.

Born on September 13, 1942, and raised in Kingston, PA, Sister Kathleen was the daughter of the late Louis and Mary Tschippert Steck. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1960, made temporary profession of her vows on June 26, 1963, and final profession of her vows on June 26, 1968. Sister Kathleen received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a Master of Science degree in education/mathematics, both from Marywood College.

Sister Kathleen served as a teacher in the following schools: St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School in Upper Marlboro, MD, from 1965 to 1968; St. Agnes Elementary School in Washington, NC, from 1968 to 1969; St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, from 1969 to 1970; Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School in East Stroudsburg, PA, from 1970 to 1975; St. Raymond Elementary School in East Rockaway, NY, from 1975 to 1978; St. Paul Elementary School in Cranston, RI, from 1978 to 1984; St. Ambrose Elementary School in Bridgeport, CT, from 1984 to 1986; St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Binghamton, NY, from 1986 to 2011; and Seton Catholic Central School in Binghamton, NY, from 2011 to 2024.

From 2024 until the time of her death, Sister Kathleen was a prayer minister at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.

She had a deep love for all creatures, especially her beloved dogs.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Louis, and a sister, Mary Claire Lyons. Sister Kathleen is survived by two brothers, Robert of Cedar Grove, NJ, and Frank of Pleasant Prairie, WI; nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews throughout the Midwest and East Coast. She is also survived by the members of the IHM Congregation.

The funeral will be Thursday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Peace Residence, 1510 University Avenue in Dunmore, PA. Friends may call at Our Lady of Peace Residence on Thursday, October 15, between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. A prayer service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow Mass on Thursday at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA.