“The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name—he will teach you everything and remind you of all that told you.”
-John 14:26
Sister Suzanne “Sue” Retherford, 83, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth (SCL) for 63 years, died on March 19, 2024. She entered religious life on August 30, 1960, and took the name Sister Jean Stephen when she received her habit. She later returned to her baptismal name.
Born in Boonville, Missouri, on November 19, 1940, Sister Sue was the third of five children of Martin R. and Eva C. (née Dick) Retherford. The family moved to Kansas City, Missouri, when she was six months old. Her parents were people of great faith. They taught her how to pray the rosary, and she enjoyed attending Lenten Daily Mass with her father. She also had a special devotion in her school years to the Miraculous Medal Novena. These practices shaped Sister’s faith life.
Redemptorist and St. Peter’s for grade school further shaped her faith. She was impressed with the peace and calm of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, who taught her at Bishop Hogan High School and Saint Mary College. Inspired by their holiness and commitment to doing the Lord’s work, she entered the novitiate after her second year at Saint Mary College.
Originally expecting to work at an orphanage, Sister Sue instead became a teacher, especially enjoying math, religion, and music. She eventually found her way into administration, both at the school and diocesan level. She taught in Missouri, Montana, and Kansas. She served in the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocesan School Office, in staff development and teacher training. She was also a founding faculty member of Cristo Rey Kansas City High School.
Sister Sue enjoyed sports, playing softball and volleyball during her grade school and high school years. She enjoyed watching football and was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. She even “starred” in the 2024 SCL Super Bowl video.
Preceding Sister Sue in death were her parents, sister, Eva, and brothers, Dennis and Douglas. Survivors include brother Steve (Jeanie), nieces and nephews, a great-niece and two great-nephews, and the SCL Community.
There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m., Sunday, April 14, 2024, in Ross Chapel, SCL Mother House, Leavenworth. Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated in Ross Chapel at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 15, 2024. Interment will follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Mother House grounds. Memorial contributions can be made to the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, 4200 S. 4th St., Leavenworth, KS 66048.
Click this link to view a short memorial video created in honor of the life of Sister Sue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5c-gZ6jNTCM.
