Catherine Denise Mohr

Catherine Denise Mohr, 99, passed away peacefully in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 18, 2024, just two days before her 100th birthday. She had planned her own birthday party, but instead of celebrating with family and friends she celebrated with Jesus. Denise was born on Easter morning, April 20, 1924 at the farmstead of Anna and Peter Mohr in Maize, Kansas. She was the eldest of their eighteen children, six girls and twelve boys. Most of her childhood was spent around the house with chores and childcare. She did not graduate from high school due to the many household responsibilities of this large Catholic family. Denise was also called upon to help other mothers in the community when they gave birth to a new baby. From a young age, Denise learned the importance of servanthood. In 1947, at the age of twenty-three, Denise joined the Benedictine Community in Guthrie, Oklahoma. That same year she found herself teaching first, second and third grade students at St. Catherine School in Guthrie. To quote Denise, "The irony of this teaching assignment was that I didn't have a high school education." Her next teaching assignment was at St. Francis School in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she taught eighty first grade students with only one aide who stayed busy taking the children to the bathroom all day! Eventually Denise did earn her bachelor's degree in education from Benedictine Heights College. Denise was teaching at Christ The King School in Oklahoma City in 1961 when she unexpectedly received a letter from Rome appointing her as Prioress of the Benedictine Community at St. Joseph Monastery in Tulsa. She said she was reluctant to accept this assignment because the Benedictine Rule dictated that the Prioress was normally to be discerned by the Community rather than by the hierarchy in Rome. Nevertheless, she accepted the role as Prioress. Denise served as Prioress of her Community from 1961 to 1967, a tumultuous time in the Catholic Church in the years preceding and following the Second Vatican Council. She made many difficult decisions for her Community but said "I felt without a doubt I was inspired by the Holy Spirit." She was a strong and caring leader and she successfully cleared the Monastery of financial difficulties with the help and advice of a newfound friend, Glenann Wilkerson, a savvy businesswoman. Denise was surprised when she was appointed Prioress in 1961, but she was even more astounded when she received a letter in 1967 relieving her of her position as Prioress. After this turn of events, she decided to further her education and earned her master's degree at St. Xavier University in Chicago, Illinois. Denise returned to Tulsa and taught at both Marquette School and the School of Saint Mary for many years. She remained a member of the Benedictine Community until 1980. In 1985 she accepted a position as Children's Ministry Coordinator for the Church of Saint Mary, directing the religious education of pre-school children and children who attended public elementary schools. Expanding her horizons after years in the educational field, Denise worked as a pastoral assistant at the Church of The Resurrection and also as an associate chaplain at St. Francis Hospital. In 2001, after retiring from the workforce, Denise and her friend Glenann Wilkerson moved to Surprise, Arizona. They enjoyed living there for five years, creating new friendships at the Sun City Grand 55+ Community before returning to Tulsa in the fall of 2006. Denise was an active member of the Pax Christi faith group. She also contributed many volunteer hours to Neighbor for Neighbor, the Eastern Oklahoma Food Bank and numerous other charitable organizations. Denise was preceded in death by her parents Anna and Peter Mohr, her sisters Marie Mohr-Grandstaff and Ann Timmermeyer and her brothers Mike, Nick, Joe, William, Clarence, John, Peter, and Al. Denise is survived by her dear friend and roommate of fifty-five years, Glenann Wilkerson as well as her sisters Josephine Mohr and Theresa Wagner and her sister and brother-in-law Margaret and George Roy. She also leaves behind her brothers and their spouses: Tony and Shari, Frank and Paula, Bart and Mary Lou, Greg and Jeanette. In addition there are nieces and nephews too numerous to mention individually! Those who knew Denise would describe her as a wise, open, intelligent, kind, accepting, honest, and loving person. Even though no longer a formal member of the Benedictine Community she continued to follow the spiritual path she learned in her years with them, evidenced by her journals marking scripture passages and her reflections based on the daily practice of Lectio Divina. This holy woman will be greatly missed by her family and friends. In a prayer she composed in anticipation of her 100th birthday party Denise wrote, "I thank the Lord for all of you. Each one has helped me become who I am - because of your kindness and love." May the celebration in heaven continue until we see her again! Funeral services will be held on May 29, 2024 at the Church of Saint Mary, 1347 E 49th Pl. Tulsa, OK with a rosary at 10:15 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at 1:30 p.m. on May 30, 2024 at St. Mark Church Cemetery in St. Marks, KS. In lieu of flowers Denise requested that donations be made to the Montereau Benevolent Fund, 6800 S. Granite Ave. Tulsa, OK 74136.

Catherine Denise Mohr

April 20, 1924 - April 18, 2024