Sister Rita Caulfield, SNJM

Sister Rita Caulfield, a former teacher at Holy Names High School in Oakland, died Aug. 22 at Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose. She was 89 years of age and had lived 63 years as a professed member of the Sisters of the Holy Names.

A native of San Francisco, she was also known as Sister John Marie. An educator for 45 years, she taught at Holy Names High School from 1948-1951, 1956-1975, and 1985-1998, and at schools in Santa Monica, Kentfield and Alhambra. During her “retirement” she was a substitute teacher and provided support services at Holy Names High.

Survivors include her niece, Sharon Alexander, and Sharon’s husband, George; niece, Susan Caulfield, nephew, Jack Caulfield, and other relatives.

The funeral Mass was held Aug. 30 at the Convent of the Holy Names in Los Gatos. Burial took place the following day at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward.

Deacon Robert Karp

Deacon Robert Karp, who served in the Oakland Diocese for over a dozen years, died Aug. 18. The Concord resident was 93 years of age.

A native of San Francisco, he was ordained to the permanent diaconate in 1979 for the Archdiocese of San Francisco. He served in the archdiocese until 1993 when he and his wife, Elizabeth, moved to the Oakland Diocese. He was assigned to Queen of All Saints Parish in Concord where his pastoral duties included visiting the sick and elderly and conducting Communion services. He retired from ministry several years ago.

In a reflection he wrote for The Catholic Voice on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his ordination in 2004, Deacon Karp said that the most significant part of his ministry was his prayer life. “Because it is the Lord’s work that I’m involved in, therefore, it is His assistance that is necessary.”

He is survived by his children, Rob, Chris, Lizzie, Marian, Cathy and Barbara, 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Deacon Karp’s wife died in June and their daughter, Geri, died in April.

The funeral Mass was held Aug. 24 at Queen of All Saints Church in Concord. He was interred with his wife at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette.

home