Obituaries

Patricia Joan was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on September 1, 1932, the only child of George and Mildred (Breig) Cavanaugh. Patricia experienced significant loss early in life. Her father died when she was only two years old, and her beloved mother passed away when she was ten. Her mother had remarried to a close family friend, George Fox, who became a devoted and loving father to Patricia. Following her mother's death, he legally adopted her, and she proudly carried the Fox family name thereafter.

Patricia attended Notre Dame Academy from 1946 to 1950. Drawn to a life of faith, she entered the novitiate on February 2, 1950, graduating from Notre Dame Academy later that same year. After Sister Christa Marie made her first profession in 1952, she attended Villa Madonna College and soon began ministry in Catholic education. Her teaching assignments took her to Birmingham, Alabama; St. Augustine, Covington; and St. Mary High School in Alexandria, Kentucky.

In 1961, Sister responded to a new call by pursuing studies at the Mayo Clinic School of Physical Therapy. Upon graduating in 1963, she began a twenty-five-year ministry in healthcare at St. Charles Care Center, Covington, Kentucky. There she combined professional skills with compassionate care to all her patients.

Sister Christa Marie’s lifelong love for the Eucharist found its fulfillment in 1988 when she was invited to Rome to join the perpetual adoration community at the congregation’s generalate. There, she embraced both prayer and service, faithfully caring for Sister Maria Hildegara, one of the Congregation’s oldest sisters, to whom she was deeply devoted. Here, too, she was not only an adoration sister but a very competent and highly appreciated physical therapist.

The twenty-three years she spent in Rome remained among the most graced and treasured years of her life. Through prayer, and faithful witness, she deepened her relationship with God while supporting the universal mission of the Church.

In 2011, health concerns led Sister Christa Marie to return to her home province in Covington, Kentucky. Despite ongoing health challenges, she continued to serve her community. She became the sacristan at St. Joseph Heights, preparing for the liturgy and caring for the daily needs of the chapel. After retiring to Lourdes Hall in 2016, she continued to assist with the chapel there. Throughout her life, she sought new ways to share God's goodness and love with those around her.

After 74 years of religious life, Sister Christa Marie passed away peacefully on August 13, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents. May Sister Christa Marie now enjoy the peace and fullness of eternal life in the loving presence of our good and gracious God.

Services will start at 10:00AM on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Lourdes Hall, 600 Farrell Drive, Covington, Kentucky, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment in the convent cemetery will follow the Mass.

Memorials are requested to The Sisters of Notre Dame, Covington, Kentucky.