Our sister, the Honorable Catherine (Cathy) M. Miklitsch, died of Alzheimer's on March 12, 2021. I lived with her. She adjusted daily to the impact of her disease. She was a woman of wisdom who served in the Rockland County Family Court in the 9th Judicial District for almost 40 years.  Now, we (my family and care partners) walk in her honor and share her story on how to live each day to the fullest.  We also walk in honor of our mother and poet, Catherine (Kitty) Berry Miklitsch, who died of Alzheimer's April 10, 2016.One of her final poems is a living testimony to someone with Alzheimer's.

I see this same spirit and courage in my ministry as a Sister of St. Francis (Stella Niagara) where I witness our women of wisdom struggle with dementia and Alzheimer's.  They too are "signs of hope to a struggling world" as our mission statement declares.

In January 2023 our first cousin, Maria Lipiano Miklitsch, died of Alzheimer’s too. She was educator and an “awakener” who opened doors of opportunity to many Niagara Falls students, teachers and staff."  We walk in her memory here is Lewiston as her family walks in her memory in California.  It is truly a family affair for us; a commitment to funding research and a cure.

Even more recently, March 2023, we grieved again with the loss of my Aunt Shirlee who suffered with Alzheimer's/dementia for over 20-years.  Her slow diminishment was a lesson in courage, in living life to the fullest, and a testament to the love of family who cared for her until the end.

Support the Miklitsch Family team in the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's®, the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

Thank you so very much!

Peace and All Good, 

Sister Terri Miklitsch, OSF