Sister Kathryn Cliatt died on Sunday, July 30, at the age of 88, leaving behind an immeasurable and lasting legacy in Forsyth County and beyond.
Cliatt was born in Miami, Florida, where she eventually graduated from Edison High School before earning a bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights College and a master’s from Barry College.
For the first 17 years of her career, she ministered in elementary and secondary education in Illinois and Florida, but she spent much of the rest of her career in Cumming and Gainesville, helping to set up programs that would eventually provide help to thousands in the community.
She first came to Forsyth County in 1975 with three other Adrian Dominican Sisters, following a call to serve people in need of basic essentials like food, clothes and health care.
At that time, Forsyth County was far from the affluent community many know it as today. It was considered part of the Appalachian region economically, culturally and geographically, and it was one of the poorest communities in the state. The county was also identified as a “mission territory,” meaning there was no Catholic parish or church.
So when Cliatt started working with fellow Sister June Racicot in Forsyth to bring needed services and programs to the county, they decided to never stop. They both remained active in the county up until their retirement in 2005.
In that 30-year span, they had a lasting impact on Forsyth County and its nonprofit community, helping to mold it into the loving and giving community it is today.
Their first major project at the time was to start a thrift store, food pantry and emergency fund — a nonprofit many in the community know today as The Place of Forsyth. The organization is now a leading nonprofit in both Forsyth and Dawson counties, providing a variety of supports and services to those in need.
Through her work establishing The Place, Cliatt invited community members to help in finding solutions to poverty in the county, leading people of all religious denominations and socioeconomic groups to volunteer their time in the creation of other local nonprofits.
Cliatt and Racicot both facilitated the development of these nonprofits and mentored the Board of Directors for each. This work led to the creation and success of:
● Georgia Highlands Medical Services, which continues to provide affordable health care to those in need or those without insurance in Cumming, Dawsonville, Canton and Cartersville.
● Family Haven, which offers support for women and children suffering from domestic abuse.
● United Way of Forsyth County, which provides major funding and support to local nonprofits.
● Good Shepherd Place, an assisted living facility with 48 apartments for elderly residents.
Most everyone who knew Cliatt agrees that her work in the county throughout the years has forever impacted the community and has, in turn, helped thousands of Forsyth County residents.
“I was blessed (and I mean that in the most literal way possible) to have had the chance to know and spend time with Sister Kathryn and Sister June as they were heading into retirement,” wrote James McCoy, President and CEO of the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, in a statement. “She was someone that was clearly driven by her calling from God. She was tough, funny, deeply engaging and lived a life of love. She also enjoyed a good high-end scotch!
“So, this evening — I will be pouring two fingers of well-aged Dalwhinnie and remembering one of the most remarkable humans I have had the good fortune to know. Her legacy of service and love will live on for many years to come.”
Cliatt is survived by her sister, Martha Lim, and her fellow Adrian Dominican Sisters.
Prayers of Committal were held at the Adrian Dominican Sisters campus in Adrian, Michigan, on Tuesday, Aug. 1, in the Congregation Cemetery, and a Memorial Mass will be held at St. Catherine Chapel there on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 10:30 a.m.
Those not in attendance can view the Memorial Mass via a live stream at https://adriandominicans.org/Live-Stream.