Sister Celestia Powers 1890-1892, 1932-1934

 

Sister Celestia was a native-born Clevelander. She became the first principal of St. Joseph Academy when it was located on Starkweather Avenue in Tremont.

 

Mother Theresa Fitzmaurice 1895-1896, 1907-1914

 

 

Mother Theresa was responsible for the Congregation of St. Joseph moving to this property in what was then Rockport Hamlet. She oversaw the building of the present Motherhouse housing St. Joseph Academy, and of the present St. Joseph Academy building.

 

Mother Seraphine Carroll 1914-1923

 

 

Mother Seraphine was herself a graduate of St. Joseph Academy. She was elected Mother Superior of the Congregation shortly after her service as principal.

 

Sister Irma Donohue 1923-1932

 

 

Sister Irma was a well-educated woman, unlike many women of that era. She was a graduate of Notre Dame University. Most of her teaching ministry was at St. Joseph Academy, serving there as an art teacher, from 1907 until 1970.

 

Sister Mary Berchmans Mulligan 1934-1939

 

 

Sister Mary Berchmans was an Akron native. She, like many sisters, was given an education not available to many women, graduating from Notre Dame University.

 

Sister Patricia O'Donnell 1939-1946

 

 

A graduate of Fordham University, Sister Patricia served as principal of St. Joseph Academy and was the first principal of the new Nazareth Academy. She was also a Diocesan supervisor of teachers.

 

Sister St. Ann Murphy 1946-1952, 1959-1965

 

 

In addition to her service as principal of St. Joseph Academy Sister St. Ann worked in many schools as librarian. She was a graduate of Western Reserve University.

 

Sister Margaret Quinlan 1952-1958

 

 

Sister Margaret was a teacher of teachers. She was a principal at St. Joseph Academy, a supervisor, and instructor of teachers at St. John College. She is also remembered for writing the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Cleveland.

 

Mother Margaret Mary Neary 1958-1959

 

 

Mother Margaret Mary was an important woman in the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph. She served as superior general for several terms of office during the 1940s , 50s and 60s.

 

Sister Brigid Griffin 1965-1967

 

 

Sister Brigid served in administration of the community during the years of change in religious life. She was very active in Cleveland, aiding with the desegregation process in the schools and working at shelters for the homeless.

 

Sister Catherine Pinkerton 1967-1973

 

 

Sister Catherine has taken on crucial leadership positions with women religious, including serving as President of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious . She then began her work in Washington as a Lobbyist for Network, working always for social justice.

 

Sister Patricia Finn 1973-1979

 

 

Sister Patricia has used her educational and leadership skills well since leaving the principal position at St. Joseph Academy. At Cleveland Central Catholic High School she worked in administration and became principal. Today she uses her skills working in the Congregational Archives.

 

Sister Judith Cauley 1979-1991

 

 

Sister Judith is a woman who has dedicated her talents to education. After leaving St. Joseph Academy she went on to serve as Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Colorado Springs, Assistant Superintendent in Denver, and Co-Superintendent in Chicago.

 

Sister Kathleen Carey 1991-1992

 

 

Sister Kathleen has dedicated much of her life to St. Joseph Academy. In addition to serving in administration, she has worked with the alumnae and has utilized her artistic abilities in teaching art classes and in numerous building improvement and decorating endeavors.