July 15, 2026

OBITUARY: Sister Paula Kelleher, SSJ, 91

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD — Sister Paula Kelleher, 91, formerly known as Sister John David, beloved member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, died in the Jewish Healthcare Center, in Worcester on July 11. A native of Worcester, she was born on April 16, 1935, the daughter of William and Catherine T. (O’Connor) Kelleher.

Sister Paula entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield from Blessed Sacrament Parish in Worcester in 1953.  She was graduated from St. Peter High School, Worcester. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of Our Lady of the Elms, Chicopee; a Master of Education from Westfield State College; a master’s degree and a certificate of advanced graduate study from American International College, in Springfield and a an M.A. and a C.A.G.S. from American International College, Springfield and a Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies in theology from Assumption College in Worcester.  She also earned a chaplain certification from the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

Sister Paula taught in Sacred Heart School in Gardner, and St. Patrick School in Chicopee Falls. She served as principal of Mary Immaculate School in Holyoke and St. Joseph School in Leicester. She served as religious educator at St. Rock’s parish in Oxford, Mass., and Our Lady of the Rosary in Spencer, Mass., and ministered as pastoral associate at St. Mary and Holy Rosary Parishes in Spencer. Sister Paula was appointed vicar for religious of the Worcester Diocese in 1992 until her retirement in 2014. She was co-director of the Office of Healing and Prevention for several years. She volunteered at Marillac Manor, the home for unwed mothers maintained by the Worcester Diocese and served on the pro-life committee of the Diocese of Worcester.  

In addition to her sisters in community, Sister Paula is survived by her sister, Kathleen Kelleher,  her nephew Nick, and nieces, Maria and Paula.  She was predeceased by her sister, Barbara Argento, and brother, John Kelleher.

Sister Paula will be waked from Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester, Thursday, July 16 from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. The Liturgy of Christian burial will take place in Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester,  on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery 260Cambridge St., Worcester.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104.