Sister Kathleen

The College of Notre Dame said yesterday that it would establish a permanent series of seminars and lectures to help women in Central Maryland reach their potential in family, spiritual and professional life.Beginning next month, the college will expand its niche in women's education to include a new Women's Institute that will offer programs on the major issues, concerns and frustrations confronting women today. The goal is to help women work with each other and authorities in various fields to discover new models and ways of thinking about work and family life.

Sister Margaret Mary O'Connell, who as president of the College of Notre Dame of Maryland from 1950 to 1968 led the school through significant changes, died of respiratory failure Wednesday in the Maria Health Center at Villa Asumpta, the Motherhouse of the School Sisters of Notre Dame near Woodbrook. She was 89.After stepping down as president, she continued teaching education until retiring in 1982."I would rank her as one of the college's most outstanding presidents, and she was president during a very unusual time," said Sister Kathleen Feeley, president of the college from 1971 until resigning in 1992.

For most of her life, Alice Harwood Houstle's world was defined by plays, actors, designers, the aroma of greasepaint and nervous opening nights.Mrs. Houstle, a longtime artistic director of Baltimore's Pumpkin Theatre and a drama professor at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland, died Wednesday from complications of a stroke at Brightwood-Genesis Elder Care. She was 85.A former Mount Washington and Roland Park resident, she taught drama, acting and directing at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland from 1962 until she resigned in 1982.

On January 31, 2004, DEBORAH ANN (nee Moersdorf); beloved wife of Wayne A. Cunfer; devoted sister of Kathleen L. Coulson; step-daughter of Frank Darney; aunt of Olivia Coulson. Visiting at the E. F. Lassahn Funeral Home, P.A., 11750 Belair Rd., (Kingsville) on Tuesday 2 - 5 and 7 - 9 PM. A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 6608 Blackhead Road, Middle River, MD., 21220.

On December 8, 2004, RUTH H. (Nee Hersch), beloved wife of the late Joseph J. Fletcher, devoted mother of Dwayne B. Fletcher, Darryl G. Fletcher, and Deane B. Fletcher. Devoted sister of Kathleen Raup. Also survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be held at the Lassahn Funeral Home, Inc., 7401 Belair Road (Overlea) on Saturday at 10 A.M. Interment Parkwood Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M. If desired, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA. 23058-5216.

On June 21, 2004, BELLE SHERMAN (nee Dingus), beloved wife of the late Albert Randolph Sherman, devoted mother of Robert Smith, Arelena Fleig, Cecil Sherman and the late Carl and Mark Sherman. Loving sister of Kathleen Nance, Mary Boggs, Alleda Burrell and Norma Yeider. Loving grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of three. Friends may call the CVACH/ROSEDALE FUNERAL HOMe, 1211 Chesaco Ave. on Wednesday 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 P.M. Services will be held Thursday 11:30 A.M. from the funeral home.