Obituary of Kathryn A. Piccard

Kathryn Ann Piccard, 67, died peacefully on August 29th, at Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, surrounded by family and friends. Kathryn spent most of her adult life in Boston, graduating from Episcopal Divinity School in 1975 and earning a Master of Theology degree from Harvard 15 years later. She was ordained a deacon in 1975 and a priest in 1977. Kathryn grew up in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, graduated from St. Mary's Hall in Minnesota, and earned a bachelor's degree from Simpson College in Iowa. She was active in Girl Scouts as a child, then as a camp counselor and troop leader. She enjoyed playing the guitar and working with children. She had a special bond with her nieces and nephews. Kathryn was passionate about saints and religious icons. She did extensive research on female saints, especially the apostle St. Junia. Kathryn presented workshops on female images of God, worked with others to reduce sexism in the Episcopal hymnal, served on several boards, advocated for the disabled, and was a foster parent to a number of children. During the 1970's and 1980's, Kathryn was active in the Episcopal Women's Caucus, working in support of women's ordination. For many years, she assisted at St. Anne's Convent in Cambridge, MA and was an affiliated priest at St. John the Evangelist Church in Boston. When needed, Kathryn conducted Sunday services at area parishes. Whether she was attending a worship service or leading the service, she tried to make everyone feel a part of the church community and know the joy of God's love. Kathryn is survived by her partner of many years, Mary Jo Campbell; brother Richard Piccard; sisters Patricia Hicks and Dory Dickson. Kathryn was the daughter of the late John A. Piccard and Marilyn D. Piccard. Services will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral, 138 Tremont St., Boston, on September 16th at 11 am. The burial, at Media Cemetery in Pennsylvania, will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to: "Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts", 138 Tremont Street, Boston MA 02111 with "Fund for Handicap Access" on the memo line. Condolences at www.MCGFH.com