BELMONT — It is with heartfelt sadness and deep gratitude for her life that the Sisters of Mercy announce the passing of Sister Maureen Dees on Dec. 8, 2025. Professed with the Sisters of Mercy for 80 years, Sister Maureen dedicated her life to faith, education and service and touched countless lives with her kindness, humor and unwavering commitment to others.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, at Sacred Heart Convent, Cardinal Gibbons Chapel, 103 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. Viewing will be held before Mass, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. After Mass, all are invited to lunch followed by a procession at 2 p.m. to Belmont Abbey Cemetery, where Sister Maureen will be laid to rest.
The funeral Mass will be livestreamed here.
Sister Maureen was born Odessa Frances Dees on Aug. 25, 1925, in France, beginning a journey marked by both hardship and grace. She was adopted by James Frank Dees and Minnie Dees of North Carolina, and their hope was to have a long and happy life together. However, in 1930 her mother passed away and due to her father’s inability to care for her, she was placed at Nazareth Orphanage in Raleigh.
Her passion for service and learning led her to earn a bachelor’s degree from Belmont Abbey College. In 1945, she answered the call to religious life and joined the Sisters of Mercy, beginning a lifetime of service rooted in compassion and faith.
Sister Maureen’s vocation as an educator spanned several communities. She taught in many Catholic elementary schools throughout the dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh, most notably Sacred Heart in Salisbury. Her dedication to her students extended beyond academics, as she inspired hope, curiosity and spiritual growth in every classroom she entered.
Later in her ministry, Sister Maureen brought her caring spirit to Guam, where she volunteered for two years as a social worker and nursery worker, uplifting children and families with her gentle presence and practical support.
Upon her retirement, Sister Maureen remained active in service. She volunteered at Catherine’s House in Belmont and supported her fellow Sisters of Mercy. Her commitment to helping others never waned, embodying her life’s motto: “All for Jesus through Mary.”
Sister Maureen was known for her joyful humor, quick wit and warm, welcoming smile. She found peace and delight in fishing and cherished moments spent at the beach. Her laughter and compassionate heart left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. 28012.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
SYRACUSE, New York — Father Jude Thaddeus DeAngelo, OFM Conv., a Franciscan Friar of the Our Lady of the Angels Province, died Nov.18, 2025, in Syracuse.
Visitation will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Assumption Church, 812 N. Salina St., Syracuse N.Y. 13208, with a Franciscan Wake Service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Assumption at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery in Syracuse. The funeral Mass will be livestreamed on Facebook at http://facebook.com/assumptionsyr and YouTube at http://youtube.com/assumptionsyr.
Born in Binghamton on Jan. 10, 1957, he was son of the late Anthony and Nancy (née Guerriero) DeAngelo.
After graduating from Catholic Center High School, he began formation with the Conventual Franciscans, entering the novitiate in 1976 and professing simple vows on Aug. 14, 1977. He then studied at St. Hyacinth College Seminary in Granby, Massachusetts, before making his solemn profession of vows on Aug. 10, 1980. After earning his M.Div. from St. Anthony-on-Hudson Seminary in Rensselaer, New York, he was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 1984, in Albany.
Father Jude spent his first few months of ministry at St. Peter Parish in Riverside, New Jersey, before becoming a teacher at the former McCorristin High School in Trenton, where he ministered until 1991. He then returned to St. Peter’s in Riverside, where he served as pastor until 1994, when he was elected as Vicar Provincial and Secretary of the former Immaculate Conception Province, residing in Rensselaer. After completing his term in provincial administration, Father Jude served for one year as pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.
In 1997, Father Jude commenced 25 years of service and sacrifice as a campus minister, first at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem (1997-2010) and then at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. (2010-2022). His gentle compassion, tireless effort, quick wit and Franciscan witness helped evangelize and form two generations of young people in their journeys of faith. Father Jude spent his final years in Syracuse, serving as pastor of Assumption Parish.
He is survived by his seven siblings: Nancy, Gregory, Elizabeth, Anthony, Ronald, Jan and Randy; as well as an abundance of devoted nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Franciscan Education Burse, 12300 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
— Catholic News Herald
Spiritual director, educator and ministry leader
BELMONT — Sister Mary Antonette Schmidt, a beloved member of the Sisters of Mercy for six decades, entered eternal life on June 13, 2025, at CaroMont Medical Center in Gastonia.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, June 23, 2025, at Sacred Heart Convent, Cardinal Gibbons Chapel, 500 Sacred Heart Circle, Belmont, N.C. Viewing will be held before Mass, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Belmont Abbey Cemetery.
The funeral Mass will be livestreamed online here.
Sister Antonette was born on Jan. 11, 1944, to John Schmidt of Devon, Pennsylvania, and Mary Powers of Manayunk, Pennsylvania.
Sister Antonette dedicated her life to service, faith and compassionate ministry. At 21, she entered the religious community in August 1965 in Belmont, embracing her calling to serve others through her deep prayer life and her extensive ministries.
Her educational journey was marked by a commitment to understanding and spiritual growth. She earned a certificate of chaplaincy from Carolinas Medical Center, a master’s degree in religious studies from La Salle University in Philadelphia and a bachelor’s degree from Sacred Heart College in Belmont. Later she received a certificate in spiritual direction from the Diocese of Charlotte. Her pursuit of education reflected her dedication to caring for others’ spiritual needs.
Throughout her ministry, Sister Antonette served in various roles, embodying her motto: “That the world may believe.” She ministered at the Jesuit House of Prayer in Hot
Springs as a retreat director from 2001 to 2004 and served as spiritual mentor and coordinator for young adult ministry at the Diocese of Charlotte during the same period.
From 2004 to 2007, she served as Vice President of Mission and Values at Mercy Suburban Hospital in Norristown, Pennsylvania.
Her compassionate spirit extended to her work as a Chaplain for Mission Services and pastoral care at St. Joseph – Chandler Health System in Savannah, Georgia. She served as Assistant to the Community Life Coordinator at Marian Center from 2014 to 2020, as well as working at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Asheville, Well of Mercy retreat center in Hamptonville, and Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center in Maggie Valley earlier in her career.
Sister Antonette's unwavering dedication to her ministries and her deep prayer life touched countless lives. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her Sisters of Mercy, revealing her lifelong commitment to service, faith and love.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Virginia.
She is survived by three brothers: John, William and Paul; two sisters, Christina, the oldest of the seven, and Mary: as well as her fellow Sisters of Mercy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 101 Mercy Dr., Belmont, N.C. 28012.
A guest registry for sharing prayerful thoughts and heartfelt condolences is available online at www.mcleanfuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
More online
Read more about Sister Antonette Schmidt https://issuu.com/catholicnewsherald/docs/cnh_issue_08_13_04/4
HUNTERSVILLE — Rev. Dr. Ronald David Sherwood, PhD, passed away into the arms of his Heavenly Father Oct. 23, 2025, in Charlotte, with his family by his side.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at St. Mark Catholic Church, 14740 Stumptown Road in Huntersville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at St. Mark Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Community Cemetery in Cornelius.
Ronald Sherwood was born April 28, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the son of Donald Sherwood and Regina (Hammer) Sherwood.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in the field of theology from Hamilton University. He was ordained a deacon in the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, in 1977. He faithfully served the Church first in Ohio, and after he and his wife Vicky moved to North Carolina, he served at St. Mark Catholic Parish in Huntersville from 2004 until his retirement in 2013. He was also a proud U.S. Navy veteran.
His siblings wish to express their gratitude to his daughter-in-law, Carolynn Sherwood, as she used her talent as a nurse to love and care for him throughout his illness. We will remember Ronny for his love of his family, old Westerns, and cracking jokes to bring a smile to people’s faces every day. He will be lovingly missed. Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints. (Psalm 116:15)
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Rodney of Arizona, Michael of Florida, and Donna, his infant sister of Michigan.
Survivors include his wife Virginia (Vicky); his two sons, Ronald Jr. and his wife Carolynn, and Stephen and his partner Julie; and his two beloved granddaughters, Presley and Sydney Sherwood. Also surviving are his brothers: Walter Sherwood and his wife Susan of Michigan, Frederick Leiter and his wife Brenda of Florida, and his sister Carol Koster of Michigan.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald
Committed parish priest for 46 years
MARION — Father Carl Edwin Kaltreider was called home to the Lord on June 11, 2025. He was 82.
For more than 46 years, Father Carl faithfully served parishes across western North Carolina, including in Marion, Eden, Asheville, Andrews and Shelby. His final and longest assignment was as administrator of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Mission in Marion, where he was known first and foremost as a parish priest – deeply devoted to the salvation of souls and committed to serving others until the end of his life.
Well past the typical retirement age, Father Carl remained active, dedicated and unwavering in his vocation – a constant example of faith, perseverance and service to others.
Nothing – not even illness – could keep him from celebrating Mass daily.
On one notable occasion, despite being seriously ill with pneumonia, he concelebrated Mass in Virginia and was taken by ambulance to the ICU immediately afterward. He was released from the hospital on Thursday and by Friday morning, he was back celebrating Mass in Marion.
When asked about retirement, he would respond: “Retirement? What’s that? I signed up for life.” He meant it.
A LIFE OF MINISTRY
Born March 20, 1943, in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Father Carl was the son of Percy and Dorothy (Brady) Kaltreider. He was a 1961 graduate of Delone Catholic High School in McSherrystown, Pennsylvania. He attended Towson State University in Maryland before entering Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
He was ordained to the priesthood on March 17, 1979, by the Most Rev. Michael J. Begley, the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, at his home parish of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Father Carl’s first assignment was as assistant pastor at St. Ann Parish in Charlotte (1979-1981). He went on to serve as pastor at St. Joseph of the Hills Parish in Eden (1981-1986), St. Lawrence Church (now Basilica) in Asheville (1986-1996), and St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Shelby and Christ the King Mission in Kings Mountain (1996-1999), before taking a sabbatical.
While at St. Lawrence, he played a key role in securing the church’s designation as a minor basilica by the Holy See in 1993.
He returned to ministry in 2007 as pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Andrews and Prince of Peace Mission in Robbinsville. In 2011, he moved to Our Lady of the Angels in Marion, where he would serve for the next 14 years.
In Marion, Father Carl built a strong community, recruiting dedicated volunteers and welcoming everyone who came through the church doors, especially those inquiring about the Catholic faith. He had a deep love for the growing Hispanic community, not letting his lack of Spanish fluency stand in the way of pastoral care.
As just one example, Our Lady of the Angels parishioner Brenda Lopez relates that the first time she met Father Carl, he asked her to help someone in need. The following Sunday, noticing she didn’t receive Communion, he asked why. She explained that she wasn’t married in the Church yet might consider it the next year. Father Carl reminded her that next year is never guaranteed. Over the next six months, he worked with the couple, eventually marrying them in the Church and then teaching them to lead marriage preparation classes. Father Carl went on to help and marry 39 other Hispanic couples.
Father Carl also established the first Hispanic Knights of Columbus council in North Carolina at Our Lady of the Angels (Council 17058).
He loved everyone who came to the door to find out about the Catholic Church. He particularly liked talking about politics and religion, striking up conversations whenever he was out and using politics as an entry point to move the conversation to religion.
Father Carl also enjoyed working with young people, teaching sacramental preparation courses and watching them grow and develop in their faith.
LEGACY OF FAITH
Those who knew Father Carl will remember his tireless dedication, generous heart and unshakable faith. We loved him deeply and feel a great emptiness in our hearts, but we carry with us the powerful example he left: to fight for and defend our faith until the very last moment of our lives.
We are profoundly grateful to God for allowing us to share our lives with this great man, priest and friend. May God welcome him into His glory.
Father Carl was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Clyde J. Kaltreider.
He is survived by his sister, Sally (Kenneth) Weiler; nephew, John Kaltreider; and nieces Patricia Palmer, Jackie Nickol and Dee Ketterman.
ARRANGEMENTS
A Vigil for the Deceased will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Our Lady of the Angels Mission, with the prayer service starting at 6 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., Asheville. The principal celebrant will be Rev. Msgr. Patrick J. Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, with priests of the diocese concelebrating. Burial will follow at Belmont Abbey Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Mission, 290 N. Garden St., Marion, NC 28752.
Westmoreland Funeral Home of Marion is in charge of the arrangements.