Sister Mary Kinney, OSB papers

Sister Mary Kinney, OSB was born Mary Agnes on October 22nd, 1904, in Aspen, Colorado to Irish parents. The third of four children, Sister was raised on a homestead, which later became a large cattle ranch at Divide Creek. She attended Saint Scholastica Academy in Canon City before entering the community on July 18th, 1924. She was invested on February 7th, 1925, recieving the name Sister Esther. Sister made her first profession on February 10th, 1926, and her final on August 27th, 1929. She reclaimed her baptismal name after Vatican II.

Sister earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from DePaul University in 1929, and a Certificate in Theology from Loretto Heights College in 1957. She also attended courses at Loyola University, Xavier College, and the Mind Control Institute in Laredo, Texas. Sister served primarily as a teacher in a variety of parochial schools in Arizona, Illinois, and Colorado. In Colorado, she taught at Saint Scholastica Academy Canon City, Saint Michael School in Delta, Saint Anthony School in Pueblo, Saint Joesph School in Salida, and Saint Leander School in Pueblo. During the summer months, she also served in vacation schools across the state. In Arizona, Sister taught at Sacred Heart School in Tucson, between 1955 and 1956. In Chicago, Illinois, Sister taught at Saint Scholastica High School, Mother of God School, Saint George School, Queen of All Saints School, and Saint Symphorosa School. As a teacher, Sister was remembered for her lively Current Events and politics courses, as well as her passion for teaching religion.

Besides teaching, Sister organized and directed the women's lay retreats. After her retirement, she continued to assist at the Saint Scholastica Academy in Canon City in the office,library, dorms, and wherever she was need. She also served by visiting the elderly and sick in their homes.

Sister Mary died on March 20th, 1996 at the age of 91. She is buried in Calvary Cemetery in Desplaines, Illinois.