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Sister Cathy Beckley, SNJM
May 25, 1947 – November 19, 2025
Sister Cathy Beckley, SNJM departed this life on November 19, 2025 in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Sister Cathy celebrated 78 years of life and 51 years of her religious profession.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Holy Names Chapel in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
Her burial will follow at Holy Names Cemetery in Marylhurst, Oregon.
Sister Cathy Beckley, SNJM
May 25, 1947 – November 21, 2025
Sister Cathy Beckley, SNJM, 78, died on November 21 at Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst in Lake Oswego, Oregon. She was supported in her final journey by her good friends Sisters Peggy Kennedy and Crystal Clark.
The oldest daughter of Robert and Mary (Schlecht) Beckley, Cathy was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her dad was finishing his engineering degree and her mom worked as an RN. The family moved for a job in North Dakota where her siblings Sue and Mike were born. Next to California where Tom was born. Finally, Corvallis, Oregon, where Bill and Elizabeth were born. She treasured her years growing up close to her grandparents.
Cathy went to the Catholic grade school run by the Sisters of St. Joseph. She was given an old prayer book by her third-grade teacher which planted the idea of becoming a Sister.
As a junior in high school, she was in an assembly for College Reps and spotted a Sister in habit. She went over to her and said she was supposed to come to their college at Marylhurst as she was to be a Sister. In a most graceful way, the Sister suggested to Cathy that she go to college first and then consider the Sister idea.
Cathy graduated from Oregon State University and moved to Portland where she taught PE and coached in the public high schools. She met the Holy Names Sisters at St. Francis Parish, eventually asking to live with them for a year. This was a grace-filled time and, inspired by these Sisters, she asked to join the Community in 1972.
From the beginning as a Holy Names Sister, Cathy worked to bring compassion and encouragement to those she encountered.
As a secondary teacher, counselor, and coach at Sacred Heart Academy, Salem, she brought her listening heart with a goal to empower and support the students. Following Sacred Heart, she completed an MSW at the University of Washington and then joined the staff of St. Mary’s Academy, Portland, as Dean of Students.
An opportunity as a therapist arose at St. Joseph Family Center, Spokane, where she worked for five years. Over time there grew in her a call to work with women on the street and in response she founded the Women’s Drop-in Center in Spokane.
Motivated by a persistent call to be an ordained Catholic priest, Cathy completed a Master of Divinity at Gonzaga University. For over 20 years she used her degree as a retreat and spiritual director walking with people on their faith journeys, while also serving as Vocation Director for the Holy Names Sisters.
Cathy was a joyful spirit animated by a deep longing for justice—especially for women; by her love of the Holy Names Sisters; and by her belief in religious life. In a podcast, Cathy acknowledged the power of God in her life. “It is the Holy Spirit,” she said, recalling words from the Letter to the Ephesians, “May the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.” She was a creative and energetic presence for all those with whom she ministered. She will be remembered, too, for her dedication to family, friends, and the Holy Names Sisters, and her love for her furry friends.
A Holy Names Sister for 51 years, Cathy is survived by her siblings, Sue Beckley (Lorna Frey), Michael Beckley (Candace), Elizabeth Paukert (Chris), her nieces and nephews, and members of her religious community. Remembrances may be made to Sisters of the Holy Names, PO Box 398, Marylhurst, OR 97036 or online at www.snjmusontario.org.