Funeral Notices
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Edna
(Irene Cylwick)
who entered eternal life
(Easter) Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 9:05 p.m.
in the 69th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 95.
Viewing
Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feast day: July 5
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Edna’s closest surviving family members:
Nephews:
Benjamin Suchocki
6132 Spires Dr
Erie PA 16059-3462
814.868.1254 (H)
814.449.0734 (Cell)
Edward Seasock (& wife)
84 Texter Mountain Rd
Wernersville PA 19565-9440
(Wife) 610.207.6219)
610.410.3468
[Name of wife?]
Nieces:
Mrs. C. Eberstein
12117 Kershaw Pl
Glen Allen VA 23059-6978
804.364.0985
Mrs. Louise Damario
40 Clancy Ave
New Windsor NY 12553-5739
845.562.5285
Sister-in-law:
Mrs. S. Miskiewicz
57 New St
Hudson PA 18705-2913
570.822.4567
Sister Edna Cylwick
April 4, 2024
Good morning. We welcome all to the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Edna Cylwick and thank you for your presence here with us today. On behalf of Sister John Ann Proach, our Congregational Minister, and all our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, I extend our deepest sympathy to her family members and friends.
Irene Cylwick was welcomed to this world in 1928 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania by Peter and Anna Cylwick as the youngest member of their family of six girls and four boys. An active family, there was even a street named for them in the Miners Mills section of Wilkes-Barre!
Irene attended St. Clare Elementary School, 9th and 10th grades at Coughlin High School, and 11th and 12th grades at Marymount High School.
Irene enjoyed ice skating, roller skating, and swimming, but her favorite activity was playing golf. She lived across the street from the golf course and her skill won for her the Ladies’ Golf Tournament at Hollenback Park in Wilkes-Barre.
Irene entered the Postulancy in 1954 and at Investiture became Sister Edna. She professed final vows in 1961. Interestingly, it was only after Final Profession that she parted with her two prized possessions—her golf clubs and her fur coat!
Sister Edna earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Villanova University which served her well during her many years as an excellent, greatly beloved first grade teacher. It was evident from the very beginning that Sister loved children. Her unique gift of reaching the minds and hearts of her students, her dry sense of humor that kept her students alert and attentive, and her motherly interactions were her trademarks. She believed that it was her responsibility to provide that first experience of first grade to be a happy and positive one and worked diligently to provide them with a strong academic background and an enduring love for Jesus.
Sister Edna’s magnetic personality drew parents, students, and teachers to her. They loved her welcoming presence and her sense of humor. When her students saw her outside the classroom, they would run to her and, together, wrap their arms around her like the tentacles of an octopus! Sister Edna spent her first year in South River, New Jersey, and her remaining 44 years in education throughout Pennsylvania in schools in the Scranton Diocese, Allentown Diocese, Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and the Diocese of Harrisburg.
In 2013 Sister entered a new stage of her ministry – Prayer and Presence at Father Ciszek Convent in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania where she began to write reflections and poetry that touched the heart of the reader.
In 2017 Sister retired to St. Joseph Villa where she continued the ministry of prayer, writing reflections and entertaining the Sisters with her inimitable sense of humor.
The Congregational Council visited Sister Edna on Easter Sunday afternoon in her bedroom where she was resting and with a little less energy still telling her famous jokes. This was the afternoon before she was Before the Throne. She was sunshine, poetry in motion, love in action, a true representation of the God who created her. Meeting her was like unwrapping a surprise package of sheer delight and goodness.
Sister Rose Daniel Colanzi brought me some of Sister Edna’s writings on Monday afternoon. One was entitled Before the Throne. I will end with a few excerpts from Sister Edna’s reflection:
“A strong voice calls me to ‘come forth’. I can hardly move but slowly I put one foot in front of the other using all of my effort. … Again, I hear the voice of God. … Did I hear right? I’m forgiven. Suddenly there is much activity filling the heavens as many angels come to honor the One seated on the Throne and to recognize my entrance into heaven. Everything is happening so quickly and all at the same time. The anxiety that was in my soul turns to joy, … I am being embraced by the Father. Jesus, no longer on the cross, is resplendent in glory sitting at the right hand of God. I can’t believe what I see now. As my body was changed into spirit, Jesus winked at me and with a thumbs up sign saying more to Himself than to others, another soul saved to give love, honor, praise, and glory to my Father for all eternity.”
Sister Edna, may you continue your ministry of brightening the heavens as you rest in the arms of your good and loving spouse and resurrected Lord.
Written and delivered by Sister Rose Jameson OSF
Congregational Councilor
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Dulceline
Florence Cieslukowski
who entered eternal life
Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 1:23 a.m.
in the 80th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 98.
Viewing
Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, March 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
Reading Hospital Tower Health
West Reading, PA
Feast day: June 1
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Dulceline’s closest surviving family members:
Nephew:
John Mattu
312 Sunset Ln
Lebanon PA 17046-2040
717.304.7751
Nieces:
Tricia Weiner
17141 Hampton Falls Ter
Lakewood Ranch FL 34202-2605
513.535.7105 (cell)
Diane Wondoloski
2534 SR 487
Orangeville PA 17859
570.336.9881
[Diane’s address not found in USPS Zipcode]
Gail Schwebel
8437 Gibralter St
Spring Hill FL 34608-5425
352.247.1549
Sister Dulceline Cieslukowski
March 18, 2024
Sister Dulceline was born on May 8,1925 to Casimir and Jadwiga Cieslukowski in Shenandoah, PA and given the name Florence - in Christianity meaning “blossoming in faith and flourishing.” She was baptized in St. Casimir’s Church and later was educated by Bernardine Franciscans Sisters in the school of the Polish Parish of St. Casimir. It was here that Florence felt the “call” to become a Bernardine Sister.
Florence advanced from aspirancy at age 14 in 1939, to postulancy in 1943, and to novitiate in 1944 receiving the name of Sister Dulceline and becoming a final professed Bernardine Franciscan Sister in 1950. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Villanova University in 1959 having taught school for many years while also studying for her degree.
Sister Dulceline ministered in ten different states throughout the US, from east to west, and north to south, teaching first through fourth grades for 22 years. As a teacher she was known to dedicate many extra hours of time to those students whom she recognized as most challenged with learning.
Upon returning to her own home region in upstate PA, Sister spent the next 19 years teaching students in grades five through eight in her home territory of Shenandoah and surrounding cities, including Plains, Mahanoy City, Nanticoke and Minersville. Sister always showed heart to her students and sparked their interests in learning.
Later, between 1986 and 1992 Sister responded graciously to her appointments as Principal and as Local Minister for her Sisters in Hazleton and DuPont, PA
For many years Sister Dulceline had spoken of and yearned to work with Native Americans, and she finally received her cherished opportunity in 1993 when she was accepted by St. Anthony Indian Mission in Zuni, New Mexico, where she taught fourth grade – her long-time dream finally came true! I have been told that horseback was her mode of travel on the Zuni reservation. I wonder if she had been as easily adept at travel with her horse as she had been with her scooter in these hallways.
Later in Cuba, New Mexico Sister ministered as the Principal of Immaculate Conception School. During her “Native American ministry years” she delighted in and sharing in the tribal ceremonies and festivities. Sister Dulceline readily assimilated and engaged enthusiastically in the culture of her environment.
In the late 1990’s Sister pursued the opportunity for an “Outreach” ministry in Astoria, NY with LAMP Catholic Ministry, a ministry of presence and evangelization among the materially poor, ignored, homeless, and elderly by “sharing the compassionate heart of Jesus with those who suffer most” (from Lamp website) in our society. It was said yesterday during Sister’s wake service that above and beyond her official ministry with LAMP she actually attended to the needs of other travelers by her presence and outgoing inclusiveness to the passengers on the train by which she travelled from Connecticut to New York.
Later in Stamford, CT, Sister served as a staff member at St. Luke’s Lifework mediating for persons who were negotiating the challenges of life “from homeless to home.”
A newly created LAMP Catholic Ministry began in Stamford, CT and Sister was there to join the endeavor. Between 2001-2007 Sister continued her journey of sharing her presence and faith stories of Jesus with suffering persons who sought housing and hope. One recognizes how Sister’s enthusiasm and presence could endear and captivate strangers, creating relationships through her personable and engaging manner.
Eventually Sister Dulceline returned to our BF Motherhouse where from 2013 -2017 she served her sisters in the telephone/reception/hospitality ministry at the main desk where no one likely passed by without a conversation and a smile.
Sister Dulceline, as a cheery and affable person, was a resilient woman who was readily capable and desirous of rising above the routine structures and regimen of scheduled life; she lived as a free spirit readily responding to the challenges and disparities of life in community, without hoopla or criticism. She enjoyed life with all its fluctuations.
In September of 2017, Sister Dulceline took the leap and moved to St. Joseph Villa where she could frequently be heard along the hallways “bending” another’s ear with a new joke or a story of bygone days – always positive and luring another into conversation. She was truly interested in others, so much so that former students shared with her their special events, such as a wedding, the birth of a child, or a career accomplishment.
Sister was one of five siblings and the last one now to reunite with them beyond the pearly gates.
May you, Sister Dulceline, sprinkle bits of your sparkle and spirit upon us who remain here that we may intensify our dedication to a life-giving inclusivity toward all we meet along our continuing path!
Today we look to you as we stand on your shoulders. Honored by your passion, we are stronger for your courage to navigate life to its fullness! May your peace today bless us, your Sisters, your family and your friends, with that same blessed peace that is now yours.
Written and delivered by Sister Sandra Lyons
Assistant Congregational Minister
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Charlotte Marie
Charlotte Koterba
who entered eternal life
Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 10:20 p.m.
in the 73rd year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 95.
Viewing
Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feast day: November 21
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Charlotte Marie’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Marion (& Stephen) Koviack
2256 North Shore Acres Rd
Soddy-Daisy TN 37379-7941
423.280.0485 (cell)
Nephews:
Michael Brozowski
345Brozowski Way
Troy PA 16947-8478
570-529-1740 (home)
570.297.1318 (cell)
Daniel (& Mary) Koviack
3985 Barachbel Rd
York PA 17402
570.332.2325
Niece:
Kate Petel
98 Seven Stars Rd
Spring City PA 19475-2207
484.791.3884 (H)
610.636.4423 (cell)
Sister Charlotte Marie Koterba
December 28, 2023
Our dear Sister Charlotte Marie Koterba was born into life as “Charlotte” on March 5,1928 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to her parents, Joseph, from Budapest, Hungary, and Katherine, from Poland. As a child Charlotte was one of four sisters and three brothers with whom she learned the skills of life, engagement and negotiation. One of her sisters, Sister Juanita, had previously entered our Bernardine Franciscan Congregation, which inspired Charlotte to follow in her footsteps on February 8,1951 as a postulant, and six months later as a novice on August 11, 1951. Besides being blood sisters, Sister Charlotte Marie and Sister Juanita were dear friends as well.
Sister’s ministry of teaching took her in the four directions of the U.S. She began teaching during her first year as a Junior Professed Sister as a fourth-grade teacher at St. Mary in Dickson City, PA.
As with many of the young sisters in those “olden” days, Sister Charlotte Marie was transferred from school to school, and convent to convent annually, which challenged the survival skills of young women, encouraging adaptability to transitions and, perhaps, indicating their capacity to live a vow of obedience.
Sister Charlotte Marie seemed to have passed the adaptability code as she transferred annually between 1953 and 1960 from Nanticoke, PA, to Dickson City, PA, to Swoyerville, PA, and back to Nanticoke, PA teaching double grades, either third and fourth or fifth and sixth grades.
It was during these annual PA transfers from one city and school to another that Sister Charlotte Marie pronounced her perpetual vows on August 12, 1957.
It is likely also that Sister Charlotte Marie, as most other junior sisters, studied every day of many summer “vacations” in order to earn her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1962 at Misericordia College in Dallas, PA.
Sister Charlotte Marie not only moved annually in her early ministry assignments but travelled the USA from coast to coast in her teaching ministry. She began in the east in PA, then went westward to La Mirada, CA for one year, then travelled southward to Texas where she was the Superior and Principal in Arlington, TX and then a 7th grade teacher in Dallas, TX.
On the move again, Sister next traveled to northern USA, where from 1969 through 1997, she ministered as Superior and Principal for six years, and then again as a teacher in Westland, Farmington, Muskegon, Dearborn Heights, Redford and Roseville, Michigan.
During her lengthy stint in Michigan, Sister must have studied again every summer during these years to receive her Master of Arts in Administration in 1971 at Eastern Michigan University.
Sister did have a teaching respite for a year between 1989-90 to care for her aging parents.
It was during Sister’s time in Westland, MI while she was the Superior and Principal that I first met Sister Charlotte Marie. It was my second year in teaching and my fourth year as Junior Professed Sister assigned by her to teach 7th and 8th grades math and history, my worst subjects during my own schooling.
We were a convent of five sisters, four readily acknowledged “Polish” Sisters from Wilkes Barre, PA with everything in common, and me, the “newbie” from a travelling navy family with only the United States as my ethnic and cultural credential. It was a challenging year, and one that could make or break one’s commitment to religious communal living.
After we each parted the school and convent, which closed at the end of our year, Sister Charlotte Marie sent regular, delightful care packages of goodies to me while I was tucked away in “Maryview” in Villanova, PA for a year preparing to profess final vows.
Sister Charlotte Marie, at age 69, retired from teaching and administrative responsibilities to Mary’s Manor in Farmington Hills, MI where she responded to the needs of the sisters by chauffeuring them to appointments, shopping trips, and airport travel. She enthusiastically assumed the long-time role of sacristan for the chapel, where she concentrated all her efforts and devotion to being the best sacristan ever! She was diligent in “all things chapel-oriented”, whether decorating, welcoming prayer group members, or assisting the chaplain in any and all duties. She generously gave of herself, was helpful and caring but also retained her “strait-laced” image and bit of temper.
Stature-wise, Charlotte Marie was a bit short and had difficulty with sitting comfortably at the large table in Mary’s Manor; she always teased that she needed a booster chair to reach the table without her chin resting on her plate. This situation was reconciled when she finally received a thick cushion for her chair that propped her up high enough to see eye-to-eye with the other sisters.
During one of her Jubilee celebrations at Mary’s Manor, the only celebrant at the time, Sister was exceptionally elated and enthused about all the pampering about her that unthinkingly she stood too close to the candles and her veil caught fire. Can you imagine? All decked out and on fire! Fortunately help was immediate and the party continued after a bit of redressing!
Due to growing health issues, at age 87 (2015), Sister moved to St. Joseph Villa where she relaxed and enjoyed the stability, as well as the joyful occasions of celebration, offered to her. She grew used to, and delighted in, the sweet snacks that Sister Marie John provided to her while she sat in front of the TV to comforting music.
Sister Charlotte Marie entered the Kingdom of Heaven on December 20, 2023, in her 95th year of life and in the 73rd year of her covenant as a Spouse of Christ.
May you, Sister Charlotte Marie, rest in peace without the annual transitioning and challenging adaptations that represented your religious life and ministry. You were called by God during the 4th day of the Christmas “O Antiphons Cycle,” named “The Key of David” whose prayer of the day read “Come, and open wide our heavenly home, make safe the way that leads on high... Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.”
Be at peace, Sister!
Written and delivered by Sister Sandra Lyons
Assistant Congregational Minister
Sister Anna Mae
(Anna Mae Milus)
who entered eternal life
Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 5:55 p.m.
in the 61st year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 78.
Viewing
Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: May 15
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Anna Mae’s closest surviving family member:
Cousin:
Ann Marie Maynard
9841 S Main St
Angola NY 14006-9110
716.549.4940
Sister Anna Mae Milus
November 15, 2023
Sister Anna Mae Milus was born on May 15, 1945 to John and Michaline Milus in the town of Duryea in northern Pennsylvania where the Lackawanna River flows gracefully by this little town. Her two older brothers were overjoyed with their baby sister. Sister recalled fondly growing up with her two active brothers and following them around in every nook and cranny of Duryea and sharing in their mischievous exploits.
Sister Anna Mae attended Holy Rosary School staffed by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. She continued her education at Alvernia High School in Reading, PA and entered the Postulancy of the Bernardine Franciscans on August 31, 1962. Her doting brothers gave her two weeks of convent life and projected that she would return home. She surprised them by staying and entering the novitiate on June 26, 1963 as Sister Thomas Eileen and much to their dismay celebrated her golden jubilee in 2013 and was in her 61st year at the time of her death.
Sister Anna Mae earned a BA in English at Alvernia University and an MA in Administration from Villanova University, that prepared her for the many years of service to God’s people in the educational arena. She accepted her Community assignments with enthusiasm and grace serving as teacher, principal, and local minister in the dioceses of Allentown, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Scranton where she shared her gifts and talents with teachers, students, and parents.
As she looked back upon her teaching years, she acknowledged that she enjoyed the challenges of the classes and keeping up with the students’ antics-she had the rare ability to keep one step ahead of them. Her sense of humor was her added assistant.
After 40 years of dedicated commitment to the Ministry of Education, Sister was a welcoming presence as the School Receptionist at Holy Rosary School in Duryea for 15 years. Sister Anna Mae came full circle having begun her education here as a child and ending it here as a skilled educated professional. The once graceful Lackawanna River brought undue hardship to her beloved town of Duryea and her family home with Hurricane Irene in 2011; yet undaunted, she carried on her ministry of service to others. In addition, Sister spent four years in the home care ministry for her beloved brother. After his death, Sister accepted the ministry of serving as a receptionist at Villa of Our Lady Retreat House in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania until its closure in 2020.
The Sisters in St. Joseph Villa welcomed her among them where she continued to share her gifts of helping where needed- as a receptionist, as a joyful presence, as a prayerful person, and as someone with a delightful sense of humor.
Over the years when there was extra time, Sister liked to embroider, read, do puzzles, cook, savor a spaghetti or pizza treat and enjoyed anything made of the color green.
A true Franciscan, Sister lived simply, joyfully, and hopefully, always ready to serve others. One can only imagine her greeting Jesus with that mischievous smile as He gathers her in a loving embrace and says, “Welcome home, good and faithful servant. We have all been waiting for you, especially your two brothers.”
Written and delivered by Sister John Ann Proach
Congregational Minister
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Florence Kruczek
Florence Kruczek
who entered eternal life
Monday, October 9, 2023 at 1:20 p.m.
in the 78th year
of her covenant with the Lord
at age 95.
Viewing
Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: July 7
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Florence’s closest surviving family members:
Nieces:
Sandra Dobrowolsky
136 Coolidge Ave
Lawrenceville NJ 08648-3714
609.883.1190
Donna Kost
4 Laurel St
Nesquehoning PA 18240-2304
570.645.4380
Nephews:
Stanley Krutsick
4335 Len Mar Dr
RD#1
Coplay PA 18037-2257
610.799.5233
David Kruczek
186 Chestnut St
Barnegat, NJ 08005-1108
609.290.7809
Sister Florence Kruczek
October 12, 2023
Sister Florence Kruczek was born on December 2, 1927 into a very loving and faith-filled family to Mary and Stanley Kruczek. Much love, music, laughter, and joy filled their simple home especially when her large extended family joined them on Sundays and other occasions. Her father was an outgoing, affectionate father, musician, and actor while her mother was a gentle listener with a loving heart.
Sorrow abruptly devasted her family when her beloved father at the age of 36, whom Sister Florence adored, was killed in the coal mines leaving her 29year-old mother a widow to raise 5 children during the Depression. She remembers hearing her mother speak often of God being their father and taking care of them.
It does not surprise us that Sister Florence enjoyed her schooling and was an excellent student all through her educational years. She studied in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Washington D.C. and abroad in Canada and France to earn her Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctorate degrees in French. She was fluent in Polish and translated French, Polish, and Latin scholarly works. Her dear mother could not quite understand why Sister studied French each summer for many years since “as a child she always caught on to things so easily.”
Over the years, Sister taught on the elementary and secondary levels for 19 years before spending an additional 25 years teaching French at Alvernia University. She served as Head of the Foreign Languages Department, Head of the Humanities Department, and served as Interim Dean of Students, and was the first Mission Effectiveness Director. Sister was named Professor Emerita in 2005.
The best thing about teaching for Sister Florence was her opportunity to inspire a joy and love for learning, and on occasion she did hold students accountable for their actions. Sister was among the pioneers who opened La Reine High School in 1960 and she taught Sister Sandra Lyons French. Can you believe Sister Florence gave Sister Sandra her only detention for forgetting to bring her textbook to class?
Sister had worked on countless community projects, from coordinating Foreign Language Week activities at Alvernia University to judging Berks County Spelling Bees and had actively assisted the Bernardine Franciscans Sisters from Poland and Brazil in learning English and the American Culture.
In addition to her University ministry, Sister Florence served her beloved congregation as Local Minister, General Councilor, Provincial Councilor, and Directress of Aspirants. With her dear friend, Sister Charlene Dalrymple, she opened a House of Contemplative Prayer in Sellersville, PA.
Among many of Sister Florence’s free time activities were tatting, reading, and doing crossword puzzles. She had the voice of an angel—perfect pitch and melodic. No organ was needed to begin a hymn for prayers.
If Sister Florence had only one wish, it would be for peace among all people. Being a gentle person, she disliked conflict of any kind and would want everyone to share their gifts and talents with others. Sister Florence was a gentle and loyal friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
In 2020, Sister Florence transitioned from the Motherhouse community to the St. Joseph Villa fraternity where she shared her gentle concern and compassion, her smile, her song, and her eagerness to serve the Lord with joy.
Well done good and faithful servant. Welcome home, Sister Florence, where everyone sings on pitch and the ecstasy of peace reigns.
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Antoinette
(AKA Sister Miriam Antoinette)
Marian Rita Keiser
who entered eternal life
Sunday, September 10, 2023 at 3:22 p.m.
in the 62nd year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 78.
Wake Service
Sunday, September 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, September 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: June 13
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Antoinette’s closest surviving family members:
Nieces:
Diane (Dallabrida) Fisher
304 Winterthur Ln
Newark DE 19711-4136
302.354.0202 (cell)
Johnnette Keiser
[no address given]
814.330.6155
Diane will notify Sister’s other nieces and nephews—no names provided—per Sister Antoinette’s e-mail 8/22/2022
Nephew:
Daniel Dallabrida
584 Castro St
Box 104 (in building box)
San Francisco CA 94114-2512
415.992.1467
Sister Antoinette Keiser
September 25, 2023
Good morning. We welcome all to the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Antoinette Keiser and thank you for your presence here with us today. On behalf of Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister, and all our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, I extend our deepest sympathy to her family members and friends.
Sister Antoinette Keiser, Marian Rita, the youngest of 6 children, was born to immigrant parents, Mary and Anthony Keiser, in 1944. She grew up in Kulpmont, PA, where she attended St. Casimir School, staffed by the Bernardine Sisters. Her mother often said she spent more time with the Sisters than she did at home because she regularly helped the Sisters clean the school, church, and convent. Although she attended Mount Carmel Catholic before joining the Bernardines, she credits our former Sister Fatima, the choir director in Kulpmont, for nurturing her vocation. She stated that Sister Fatima’s kindness and way of relating to people, especially children, made a lasting impression.
Sister Antoinette attended Alvernia where she joined the Forensics Club. Her interest in and aptitude for forensics led to a B.A. in Secondary Education, with concentrations in Biology and English. Later, at Villanova University, she earned a Master of Science degree in Theology with a focus on Religious Education. Sister Antoinette also explained that while she always had a natural affinity for numbers, without the availability of and mentoring by Sister Jean Anthony Rodgers, it would have been much more difficult to learn all the aspects of Finance she needed to know. One of her major flaws, even though she had a degree in English, was that she couldn’t spell. She relied heavily on autocomplete and spell check on her computer.
Sister Antoinette used her broad education in a variety of ministries. She taught children in grades 5 to 8. In her 11 years in Liberia, she taught in high schools in both Monrovia and Cape Palmas and served as principal of Fatima High. With the Marist Brothers and another congregation of religious women, she was instrumental in representing our congregation as founders of a Teachers College in Cape Palmas. Unfortunately, the Civil War in Liberia ended that joint endeavor. Back in the States, she served as Director of Finance for our newly merged province. Next, she used her educational experience as the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas. She went on to act as Finance Director for the Congregation of Divine Providence and assisted another congregation that was temporarily without a finance director. While in Texas, she also volunteered at Visitation House, an organization that helps homeless women with children seeking to find jobs and make a better life for their family. Sister Antoinette served as Congregational Councilor from 2011-2016. These experiences were blessings and sources of grace for her and, undoubtedly, for those she helped. When she speaks of her ministries, she notes that she truly enjoyed each one and found all of them to be enriching. However, she admits that one was most challenging. As a young Sister, she was assigned to teach CCD to preschoolers!
As a vowed Franciscan, Sister Antoinette embraced “Sister and Servant to all” as a foundation for living her religious life. This guiding principle has come to life in her journeys and ministry to people across the globe as she literally lived. “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news.” (Mk 16:15)
I had the opportunity to minister with Sister Antoinette in Cape Palmas, Liberia and in San Antonio, Texas. As we drove miles and days in our truck or jeep or car, we would raise our voices in song as we sang John Denver’s "Some Days are Diamonds, Some Days are Stones" and "Country Road Take Me Home" and Abba’s "Thank You for the Music." Sister Antoinette frequently said when she meets up with God, they were going to have a serious discussion about Music and her lack of musical talent. Those of you who knew her know she wasn’t really a singer, didn’t dance or play a musical instrument. But we had some good trips singing our heads off.
Sister Antoinette wrote in one of her last writings: “My family, my congregation, all my experiences, all the people that I met and came to know in many parts of the world, and my very special friends were like a continuous concert of ever-changing varieties of music with some welcomed repeating strains. I thank God for all the extraordinarily beautiful music in my life and I say to God and to all of you “Thank You for the Music.”
My friend, may you rest in the eternal loving embrace of your loving God.
Prepared by: Sister Rose Jameson, OSF
Congregational Councilor
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In love and compassion we
commend to God our dear
Sister Marietta
Romualda Smolicz
who entered eternal life
Friday, July 28, 2023 at 6:55 p.m.
in the 75th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 94.
Viewing
Thursday, August 3, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, August 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feast day: September 12
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Marietta’s closest surviving family members:
Nieces:
Sophie Athanasiou
34 Abbot’s Gardens
E. Finchley - London N20JQ
ENGLAND
011.44.208.883.3176
Anna Parker
16 Pishiobury Drive
Sawbridgeworth - Herts CM21 OAE
ENGLAND
011.441.279.724.235
Nephew:
Mark Smolicz
14 Thurlestone Road
Swindon - Wilts SN3 1EQ
ENGLAND
011.441.793.644.341
Sister-in-Law:
Maria Smolicz
65 Upham Rd
Swindon – Wilts SN3 IDD
ENGLAND
011.441.793.643.743
Sister Marietta Smolicz
August 4, 2023
Good morning! On behalf of Sister John Ann Proach, our Congregational Minister, and all the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, I extend a warm welcome to all gathered here as we celebrate the life and legacy of a faithful Bernardine Franciscan Sister, our beloved Sister Marietta Smolicz.
Sister Marietta (Romualda Smolicz) was born into the loving family of Joseph and Sophia Smolicz on January 18, 1929 in Lozawicze, Pow. Nieswiez. Poland.
Following the invasion of Russia into Poland on the first phase of the deportation of Polish families, the family was relocated by the government on February 10, 1940 to Siberia where they lived in a labor camp. Romualada attended 4th grade in a Russian school there. While sitting with Sister Marietta and talking about her past her only complaint was how cold and how hungry they all were in the labor camp. On December 31, 1941 the entire family left the labor camp and traveled by sled or on foot to reach a train station. They traveled from North to South for 7 weeks by freight train. It was during this time that her younger sister, Jane died. Sadly, they had to just leave her body at the train station and trust that others would provide a proper burial when the weather permitted in the Uzeck republic. Their journey continued via the Caspian Sea to Teheran, Iran and on to Karachi in Present Pakistan. Then onto Kolhapur India where she attended High School.
Their faith and trust in Divine Providence eventually brought Romualda to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters on March 7, 1947 after a one month journey via ship across the sea when she found her way to Reading, Pennsylvania via Villa Maria in Stamford, Connecticut at which time she entered the Aspirancy of the congregation. After years of initial formation, Sister Marietta made her final profession on August 12, 1954. After completing her education, Sister Marietta earned a BS in Nursing from the Medical College of Virginia and was certified as a Registered Nurse in Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Virginia.
Sister Marietta’s years of ministry took her to Watertown and Hoven, South Dakota; Newport News, Virginia; and Chester, Reading, Phoenixville and Hazelton, Pennsylvania. Among her many tasks were Nurse, Surgical Supervisor, Nurse Supervisor, and Employee Health Nurse. During these times, she also served her sisters in community as Local Minister.
Although retired from formal ministry, Sister Marietta continued to utilize her nursing skills in transitional living communities in Phoenixville, Chester, Hazleton, Sacred Heart Convent in Reading. She began her residency in St. Joseph Villa in 2014 where she also ministered for several years as driver to various doctor appointments, hospitals and shopping excursions for the sisters. If anyone was looking for a new doctor or specialist in any area of healthcare, you just needed to give Sister Marietta a call. She would have a name at her fingertips and was even able to give door-to-door driving directions.
As her energy level began to wane and her health declined, Sister Marietta patiently would lie in her bed never complaining as the staff tried to make her comfortable. She would greet visitors with her meek smile and request prayers that Jesus would take her home. Sister Marietta heard her beloved Spouse call her to come home in the evening of July 28, 2023. Sister Marietta, may you rest for all eternity in the loving embrace of your God whom you so faithfully served.
Prepared by Sister Rose Jameson, OSF
Congregational Councilor
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Dolora Marie
Marie Jeanne Louis
who entered eternal life
Friday, July 7, 2023, at 7:30 a.m.
in the 59th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 98.
Viewing
Friday, July 14, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: September 15
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Sister Dolora Marie Louis
July 15, 2023
Sister Dolora Marie was born into our fragile and interconnected world on February 14, 1925 as Marie Jeanne Louis in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, West Indies. She was the youngest of four daughters to Louis and Louise Albert Louis. Marie Jeanne’s father made a living for his family as a blacksmith skilled in the use of anvil, hammer, and scraps of iron. In their home, devoted to their Catholicism, he led the family in praying the Rosary daily.
Gleaned from my recent conversations with Sister Dolora, she felt she was his
favored child. She shared recollections of her father taking her to work with him, taking her fishing with him and his friends, and bringing small gifts for her, having hidden them under his shirt so no one else would see them. Marie Jeanne experienced a special relationship with him in her early years. Unfortunately, her father’s life was cut short and Marie Jeanne at ten years of age lost the fatherly love of her life.
The world was fractured at this time as World War II was rampaging and resource reserves were quickly dwindling. Marie Jeanne’s mother, without sufficient assets to care for four young daughters, together with many other neighboring mothers accompanied their daughters during October of 1935 to the School of the Vincent Foundation run by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco who accepted girls into the school as boarders. One among 65 young girls in the school, Marie Jeanne spent six years in this home attending vocational school. She wrote positively about her life in the boarding school, and I quote “The Sisters instilled in us a simple and joyful piety. Love of work and a task well done was impressed upon us every minute. We learned to live with each other and with the Sisters as in one big family. The atmosphere was warm and filled with a deep, renewed joy.”
At the age of 16, Marie Jeanne was ready to work and was placed by the Sisters with a nearby family to provide childcare. When no longer needed there, she assisted another family requesting similar help, until in 1951 her boss referred her to a family in the USA that, too sought childcare services. When those ministrations were no longer required, Marie Jeanne worked for the Sisters of St. Joseph, where she functioned as a linen maid in St. Joseph Hospital in Stamford, CT. There she met Rev. John McNerney who served as the chaplain. In 1960 when he became pastor of the newly formed St. Mark’s Parish, he invited Marie Jeanne to become his housekeeper, a position she held until her entrance into the Postulancy of our Congregation in the fall of 1964. Marie Jeanne reflected that “this saintly priest was more than a father to me. When I confided to him my desire to consecrate myself to the Lord, he personally accompanied me to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.” She knew the Bernardines as she had previously made retreats at Villa Maria Retreat House in Stamford, CT.
Sister Dolora Marie entered the Postulancy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters on August 30, 1964 through the Connecticut Province. As the senior member of the Postulant group of 1964-1965, she turned 40 years old on Valentine’s Day of 1965 when those of us younger Postulants were only turning 19 during the Postulancy and into the Novitiate. There were many days when she surely wondered what she had gotten herself into with us youngsters. When in the Novitiate in 1965-1966, Sister Dolora Marie’s assigned duty was to prepare our meals, although we were supposed to be helping her, but in fact she chased us out of the kitchen for fear of disastrous meal results. Her goal was to protect the health of all for whom she cooked, and in those days that meant keeping us Novices chubby and healthy – a sign of a “good vocation”! In Sister Dolora Marie’s kitchen, every pot sparkled and the floor was so spotless one could eat one’s meal off it. None of us were up to the task of keeping “her” kitchen immaculate so she did those tasks herself.
From 1967 through 1968, as a Junior Professed, Sister Dolora Marie ministered in Monrovia, Liberia, Africa. Following that experience she returned to the US for our continued formation and final vows on August 12, 1971.
After final vows, Sister continued bringing her culinary artistry to the Maryview Novitiate in Villanova, PA; Villa Maria Retreat House in Stamford, CT; Kennedy Memorial School in Hyde Park, MA; Rio Piedras School in Puerto Rico; LaReine High School in Washington, DC; and Villa of Our Lady Retreat House in Mount Pocono, PA
I am told that after Sister left Villa of Our Lady Retreat House, enrollment declined. Related to this, we heard a story yesterday by Sister Tereza das Dôres Lima who helped in the retreat house for a brief time. Sister Dolora would secretly tell her “Don’t eat the meal tonight; I am making our favorite rice and beans for us to eat later.” During one of these secret rendezvous, Sister Dolora requested that Sister Tereza be at her funeral whenever that might be. So, it appears that with Sister Tereza’s departure to Brazil last year, Sister Dolora Marie anchored herself in life and awaited Sister Tereza’s return to the US to be present for today’s sacred event.
Sister Dolora returned to her Reading Motherhouse roots in 2009 at the perceptive age of 84 years. During the mature and sagacious age of 88 years, Sister Dolora dictated this message, “Amidst the many hardships in community life, I always placed my trust in God – always relying on God…. I loved the Sisters.”
Stalwart as she was, finally, in 2015, Sister Dolora Marie surrendered to the aches, pains and weariness that wore her down and agreed to “retire” to St. Joseph Villa at the insightful age of 90.
As I reflected on my recent and lengthy conversation with Sister Dolora Marie several weeks ago, I recalled that I had never previously heard her speak of her father, only of her sister who had been kidnapped at an airport and never found. I wonder now if she, when speaking of her earthly father with such delight that day, was also anticipating her homeward journey to her heavenly Father?
Her divine Father called Sister Dolora Marie, Marie Jeanne, from her temporary earthly experience at the bountiful age of 98 and in the 59th year of her religious covenant with our God.
So today, Sister Dolora Marie, as we honor you in death and treasured you in life, I hope that you are enjoying your fishing expedition with God your Father and Jesus your Spouse as together you fish for generous and joyful women to join us here on Earth.
Praise God and your family and friends for inspiring your Call to the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Peace to You!
Written by Sister Sandra Lyons, OSF
Assistant Congregational Minister and Member of the 1964-1965 Postulant Group and 1965-1966 Novitiate Group
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Jandira Alliatti
who entered eternal life
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
in the 72nd year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 89.
Viewing
Wednesday, June 21, 2023, from 3:30 p.m. onward
Garden of Peace Cemetery, Chapel G, Porto Alegre, RS BR
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Garden of Peace Cemetery, Chapel G, Porto Alegre, RS BR
Burial
Thursday, June 22, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.
Garden of Peace Cemetery, Porto Alegre, RS BR
Place of Death
Sacred Heart of Jesus Fraternity
Viamão, RS, BR
Birthday: November 15
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Rosangela
Helen Waksmundzki
who entered eternal life
Monday, May 1, 2023 at 8:30 a.m.
in the 71st year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 96.
Viewing
Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, May 5, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: October 2
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Rosangela’s closest surviving family members:
Nieces:
Barbara Trzeciak
23 Brennig Pl
South River NJ 08882-1407
732.390.8468
Lorraine Ricci
11 Pulaski Ave
Sayreville NJ 08872-1649
(no phone number given)
Grand niece:
Michelle Rizzi
14 Crescent Ave
Rocky Hill NJ 08553
609.228.0262
908.448.4731 (cell)
Nephews
Stanley Waksmundzki
3873 Starrucca Creek Rd
Susquehanna PA 18847-8255
908.722.9507
Andrew Waksmundzki
13 Wyoming Dr
Jackson NJ 08527-1546
732.363.4243
484.645.2576 (cell)
David Bednarczyk
25 Culver Ct
Old Bridge NJ 08857-1502
732.251.4442
Good morning! I extend a warm welcome to the family and friends of our beloved Sister Rosangela Waksmundzki as we celebrate her life and legacy as a faithful Bernardine Franciscan Sister. Sister was born in Barnesboro, PA on April 30, 1927 to Stanley and Rose Waksmundzki the youngest of eight children and was baptized Helen. Indeed, she lived up to what Helen means because she was the light of her family, her local parish, and her neighborhood. Her effervescent smile lit up a room, a gathering, or an encounter with someone.
When she was two years old her father moved the family from Barnesboro, Pennsylvania to South River, New Jersey for employment. It was here that Sister was introduced to the Bernardine Franciscans who taught her in elementary school. Afterward, she enrolled in Woodbridge Vocational School taking courses in sewing and cooking to prepare her to be a good mother. Little did she realize that God had a different plan for her. Her well thought out plans were now interrupted with a powerful desire to enter Religious Life. In an earnest supplication to God she said, “You, God, have to do this for me; I am the youngest of eight children and my mother now needs me in her older years.” Sister asked St. Theresa of the Little Flower for a sign and a few days later while shopping in a local grocery store, she was faced with three white roses that solidified her decision. She asked her mentor, Sister Albensia Ogorzalek to tell her mother of her decision to enter the Bernardine Franciscans.
It was on the feast of St. Clare, August 11, 1952, that Helen became known as Sister Rosangela. Now she was not only the special light but now a beautiful rose who was now an angel meaning a messenger of God. With much enthusiasm and determination, she set about updating her education and completed her studies for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Amherst College in Connecticut. She served as a Central Supply Technician at St. Joseph Hospital in Hazleton, Pennsylvania for five years and then spent the next forty-eight years in education as a primary teacher, principal, and superior in various parishes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Delaware.
Sister Rosangela had a great love for her vocation and community. Likewise, she had strong convictions about Religious Life and was never afraid to express her opinions to the Sisters or to Leadership. This she did with utmost respect and kindness.
Sister formally retired to St. Joseph Villa in 2013. Her special light did not diminish when she was faced with the double amputation of her legs. Those around her were amazed at her acceptance, resiliency, and accommodation to this change in her life. It was such a blessing for her to be relieved of the austere pain and stress that she endured so patiently. One Sister remarked that God was for her a guiding light that led her through her many challenges in life.
Thank you, Helen, Sister Rosangela, for bringing the light of God’s beauty to others. Thank you for being that exquisite and sturdy rose in the garden of life. Finally, thank you for being the caring and steadfast messenger of God’s goodness. And so, as the Daniel Damon hymn says so well, “I have called you by your name, you are mine; I have gifted you and ask you to shine. I will not abandon you; all my promises are true. You are gifted, called, and chosen; you are mine.” Rest in the beloved embrace of Jesus, dear Helen, Sister Rosangela.
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Terezinha Alves de Oliveira
who entered eternal life
Thursday evening, March 23, 2023 at 10:38 p.m. [Brazil time]
in the 41st year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 68.
Viewing
Friday, March 24, 2023 at 8:00 a.m.
Paróquia N. Sra do Sagrado Coração (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish)
Fortaleza, CE Brazil
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, March 24, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Paróquia N. Sra do Sagrado Coração (Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish)
Fortaleza, CE Brazil
Place of Death
Hospital OTOclínical - Fortaleza, CE Brazil
Burial
Friday, March 24, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Cemitério Parque da Paz [Peace Park Cemetery] - Fortaleza, CE Brazil
Birthday: August 3
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Maria Cavalcante da Ponte (Lúcia Inês)
who entered eternal life
Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 9:58 p.m.
in the 67th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 89.
Viewing
Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.
Alvorada Funerais, Fortaleza, CE, BR
Mass of Christian Burial
Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
Cemitério Parque da Paz, Fortaleza, CE, BR
Place of Death
Nossa Senhora das Mercês Fraternity
Itapipoca, CE, BR
Birthday: May 25
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Mary Doris
Apolonia Burkot
(Pauline Burkot)
who entered eternal life
Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at 5:40 a.m.
in the 74th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 93.
Viewing
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, November 17, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: May 13
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Mary Doris’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Gertrude (“Trudy”) Mickey
99 Werley Rd Apt 412
Allentown PA 18104-3501
610.821.7081
484.954.7586 (cell)
Nieces:
Betty (Mrs. Dave) Kranstuber
708 E Coast Ln
North Myrtle Beach SC 29582-2984
843.281.8380
843.450.0416 (cell)
Elaine Cartwright
2106 North Dr
Seaford NY 11783-2235
516.783.7199
516.317.3313 (cell)
Janis (& Mr. Dennis) Young
105 Meadow Ter
South Plainfield NJ 07080-2929
908.222.2799
Eileen (Mrs. Joseph) Tarconish
225 Laurel Rd
Orwigsburg PA 17961-9622
570.366.2147
Nephew:
Robert Burkot
400 S Orange Ave
South Orange NJ 07079-2646
201.414.7127
Cousin:
Maryanne Palasak
4246 Cardinal Blvd
Wilbur By The Sea FL 32127-6606
336.761.6405
Sister Mary Doris Burkot
November 17, 2022
Good morning. We welcome all to the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Mary Doris and thank you for your presence here with us today. On behalf of all our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, I extend our deepest sympathy to her sister, Gertrude Mickey, and all her dear nieces and nephew and all her dear friends as we gather to celebrate her life and her resurrection in the Lord.
Sister Mary Doris (Pauline) was the eleventh child born to the late Leon and Pauline Burkot of Middleport, Pennsylvania. (When she was born, four siblings were already deceased, so she was the seventh of the nine children who reached adulthood.) She attended the Middleport public school for three years, and St. Anthony Parish School in Cumbola, Pennsylvania for the next five years where she graduated from eighth grade at the top of her class. After two years in public high school in Blythe Township, Pauline dropped out of school and worked for a full year in the kitchen of Mulhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield, New Jersey where she received experience under a Dutch chef in carving meats and fish. She was in charge of getting out the evening meals for the various departments for one day a week. Through the gentle influence of her former eighth grade Bernardine teacher, Sister Celestine Ziebro, she completed her high school education at Mount Alvernia High School in Reading, Pennsylvania and entered the Postulancy of the Bernardine Sisters in 1947.
As a member of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, Sister Doris continued her education by attending Saturday classes and summer sessions to graduate from Villanova University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Sister also spent a summer studying at Notre Dame University in Indiana and another summer at Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. She received a Master’s Degree in Education with certification as a Reading Specialist from Boston College and went on to further study at the University of Pittsburgh, where she graduated with a PhD in Education.
During her years in active ministry, Sister was engaged in the United States in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut. In Reading, Pennsylvania she was involved in directing the Alvernia Reading Center and was Director of Teacher Education at Alvernia College where she spent many years acting as Division Head for the Social Sciences. In 1981, Sister Doris traveled to Liberia in West Africa where she spent eight years working as a secretary at the Vatican Embassy and giving workshops to teachers in Catholic mission schools around the country.
In 1989 upon returning from Africa, Sister Doris became Director of the Alvernia Reading Center and worked year-round with children needing help in reading and other subjects until the summer of 1996. During this time, she also tutored adults for the Berks County Literacy Council teaching English as a second language.
In 1996, Sister Doris tutored children at Our Mother of Perpetual Help School in Ephrata, Pennsylvania helping them in math, reading, social studies and English until 2002 when she worked at the Villa Maria Education Center in Stamford, Connecticut where she ministered as receptionist and tutor.
In 2006, Sister Doris was asked to become secretary of the board of the Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania where she organized and maintained the archives and carried out the regular duties of correspondence, filling out and mailing orders, updating and maintaining the list of members of the league and attending to visitors at the Center.
In 2012, Sister left Shenandoah for the Villa of Our Lady Retreat House in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania where she ministered for five years helping in serving the groups which came there. She continued working for the Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League by typing up testimonials from witnesses who knew Father Ciszek and attended regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year.
As her energy level began to wane and her health declined, Sister Mary Doris moved to St. Joseph Villa in Reading, Pennsylvania where she continued a ministry of prayer and presence until she heard the call of her beloved Spouse to come home on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. Sister Mary Doris, may you rest for all eternity in the loving embrace of your God whom you so faithfully served.
Co-written by Sister Rose Jameson (Congregational Councilor) and Sister John Ann Proach (Congregational Minister)
Delivered by Sister John Ann Proach, Congregational Minister
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In love and compassion
We commend to God our dear
Sister Maria Garmus
who entered eternal life
Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 11:00 p.m. [Brazil time]
in the 66th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 92.
Viewing
Friday, August 26, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
Garden of Peace Cemetery Chapel, Porto Alegre, RS, BR
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, August 26, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.
Garden of Peace Cemetery Chapel, Porto Alegre, RS, BR
Burial
Friday, August 26, 2022 at 4:00 p.m.
Garden of Peace Cemetery
Place of Death
Sacred Heart of Jesus Fraternity
Viamão, RS, BR
Birthday: March 16
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Robertine
Irene Elizabeth Babula
who entered eternal life
Sunday, July 17, 2022 at 11:25 a.m.
in the 69th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 87.
Viewing
Sunday, July 24, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Monday, July 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: September 17
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Robertine’s closest surviving family members:
Cousin:
Doris Casey
19 Corn Cake Ln
Stamford CT 06905-1806
203.322.1744
Sister Robertine Babula
July 25, 2022
Good morning. We welcome all to the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Mary Robertine and thank you for your presence here with us today. On behalf of Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva, Congregational Minister, and all our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, I extend our deepest sympathy to her cousin Doris Casey, and all her dear friends from Stamford, CT as we gather to celebrate her life and her future Resurrection in the Lord.
Sister Robertine, Irene Elizabeth Babula, was born in Stamford, CT, one of 8 children in the family of Władislaw/Walter and Teophila/Theophila Babula, and was baptized into the Catholic faith at Holy Name of Jesus parish in 1935. Becoming a postulant after completing her freshman year of high school in 1950, she was the second child in her family to enter the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, following in the footsteps of Sister Eloise.
Sister Robertine attended Villanova University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962, and was a dedicated primary school teacher in New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maryland, Texas, and Massachusetts. Her final years of ministry were spent at Villa Maria Education Center in Stamford, CT, where she served as a Librarian and later on the staff of Villa Maria Retreat House. In 2012, Sister Robertine became a resident of St. Joseph Villa, devoting her remaining years to the ministry of prayer and fraternal companionship.
Sister Robertine was a woman of faith who followed in the footsteps of St. Francis, leading a simple life of sacrifice, prayer and service. She was petite in stature, and gentle in manner, winning the hearts of her first and second grade students whom she taught for two decades. We remember her luminous smile and contagious laugh, reaching out to students and visitors with gentleness and warmth first as an educator, and later with hospitality at the Villa Maria Retreat House.
Her final years at St. Joseph Villa were marked by many days of mental and physical suffering, but it was a hidden life, lived intimately with Jesus, without complaint or resentment. At the time of her Final Profession in 1959, an excerpt from her letter to her Provincial Superior shows us the depth of her love: Now, the time is drawing near for the final step – Perpetual Profession. God willing, I desire to remain His forever. I desire with all my heart to bind myself for life to Jesus by the three Holy Vows – to serve Him faithfully unto death, in spite of my unworthiness. In 2010, Sister Robertine made a request to the congregational minister, asking to change her Feast Day to September 17, Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi.
Sister Robertine was totally devoted to her life as a consecrated religious, and to her Bernardine Franciscan Congregation. When her sister Clara Babula died, she and Sister Eloise donated the generous inherited gift from Clara’s estate to help purchase a much-needed new elevator that was installed at St. Joseph Villa in memory of her sister.
As humbly and quietly as she lived her life, after a short illness, Sister Robertine passed from this life to eternity with God on July 17, 2022. May God grant her eternal rest, the fullness of peace, and true abiding joy as she receives her beautiful crown of glory in heaven. As we remember her in our prayers, we can be sure she will not forget us in our needs, and will always remain our devoted friend, Sister, and intercessor before God.
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Eva Felix Raunde
who entered eternal life
Monday, June 13, 2022 at 1:35 p.m. [Mozambique time]
In the 3rd year of
her covenant with the Lord
as a Bernardine Franciscan Sister
at age 33.
Masses of Christian Burial
June 16, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. - San Miguel Arcanjo
Cuamba – Province of Niassa – Mozambique –
Celebrant: Bishop Atanásio Amisse Canira – Bishop of the Diocese of Lichinga. Concelebrated with 6 Priests.
June 17, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. – São Mateus
Chimoio – Province of Manica – Mozambique
Celebrant: Bishop João Carlos Hatoa Nunes – Bishop of the Diocese of Chimoio. Concelebrated with Bishop Emeritus Francisco João Silota of the Diocese of Chimoio who made a commission at the Cemetery; 10 Priests.
Burial
Diocesan Cemetery of Chimoio
on June 17, 2022
Place of Death
Hospital of Cuamba
Mozambique, East Africa
Birthday: February 26
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Lynn Rachelle
Joann Pazgan (Pascoe)
who entered eternal life
Tuesday morning, June 7, 2022 at 7:50 a.m.
in the 58th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 75.
Viewing
Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: October 24
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Lynn Rachelle’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Dolores McGovern
724 S 9th St
Perkasie PA 18944-1012
215.257.7826
Nephews:
Vincent McGovern
304 Park Ave
Quakertown PA 18951-5102
215.783.2091
Greg and Wendy McGovern
3171 Devecote Dr
Quakertown PA 18951-5024
215.538.3044 (cell)
Sister Lynn Rachelle Pazgan (Pascoe)
June 10, 2022
Good morning. Today, our Eucharistic Liturgy will be offered for the repose of the soul of our dear Sister Lynn Rachelle Pazgan (Pascoe). On behalf of Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva, our Congregational Minister and all the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters we extend our deepest sentiments of sympathy and we hold in prayer her surviving sister, Dolores, her nephews Vincent and Greg and her cousin Steve, as well as extended members of her family and friends who could not be present with us today. As we bid farewell and commend her soul to God, we gather as one family to honor her memory, to pray for her, and to celebrate her entrance into eternal life.
Baptized Joann, Sister Lynn was born into the loving family of Joseph and Stephanie Pazgan in 1946 in Lansford, Pennsylvania. She was one of two Pazgan children attending the parish school of St. Peter and Paul from grades one through eight. She attended Lansford High School until the tenth grade and entered the Aspirancy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters on September 2, 1962. She entered the Novitiate in 1964 and received her religious name, Sister Lynn Rachelle. Her early years of education earned her a BA in Elementary Education from Alvernia College in Reading, Pennsylvania and a MA in Religious Education from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania.
Sister Lynn Rachelle’s years of ministry found her actively serving the people of God in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Michigan in elementary and secondary education, as campus minister at Alvernia College, and as Pastoral Associate in Marysville, Michigan. She served the Congregation as Area Minister from 1993 until 1998 and as Director of Volunteers in Mission and Associates from 2008 until 2011. Sister Lynn also guided many souls as a Spiritual Director.
In all her ministries, she hoped to foster a culture of that would encourage Gospel values by providing an opportunity for prayer, fraternity and service to the poor in the spirit of St. Francis and in the Name of Jesus. She traveled to the Dominican Republic and coordinated many service trips with university students to join our Sisters serving the people at our mission in Santo Domingo. This continued to be a lived reality even after her health began to fail and she transferred to our St. Joseph Villa in 2016. Her ministry as Spiritual Director continued at the Villa, and she later transitioned to a ministry of prayer and presence.
Sister Lynn Rachelle loved traveling and her friend and favorite travelling companion was Sister Jean Jacobchik. They loved to plan Saturday outings together when they had free time. Sister Lynn will be remembered for her quiet loving presence and her gentleness.
Thank you, Sister Lynn Rachelle, for journeying with us in your commitment to the consecrated life, reflecting God's love as a true witness and example of the Gospel message. We will miss you, and will pray for you, that you may rest forever in the loving arms of Jesus whom you served so well with a devoted and passionate heart. We will miss you, and ask that you intercede for us before God as an advocate and friend with the community of our Sisters and saints in eternity. May you rest in peace.
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In love and compassion we
commend to God our dear
Sister Ann Elizabeth
Mary Ambrose
who entered eternal life
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 5:45 p.m.
in the 66th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 85.
Viewing
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: November 19
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Ann Elizabeth’s closest surviving family members:
Nephew:
Tom Ambrose
48 Hillendale Rd
Perkasie PA 18944-2368
215.257.1097
Nieces:
Beth (and Nate) Smith
1955 Armstrong Dr
Lansdale PA 19446-5638
215.616.4466
215.896.6788 (cell)
Mrs. Linda Hooper
209 Danbury Dr
Little Egg Harbor Twp NJ 08087-1368
609.296.1230
Sister Ann Elizabeth Ambrose
May 4, 2022
Good Morning. On behalf of our Congregational Minister, Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva, and all the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, we welcome you to the celebration of life of our dear Sister Ann Elizabeth Ambrose.
We extend our prayers to her family members and friends who are unable to join us today.
Mary Ambrose was born in 1936 to Hugh and Irene Ambrose in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She had one brother and three sisters.
In 1956, following High School graduation, Sister Ann Elisabeth entered the Postulancy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters along with the McGowan twins, SS Rosemary and Vincent Marie. She was lovingly nicknamed the “triplet.”
After Sister Ann Elizabeth’s years in initial formation, she made her final profession in 1962.
Sister Ann Elizabeth was industrious and earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in Elementary Education and a minor in English from College Misericordia in Dallas, Pennsylvania. This definitely prepared her for the next 49 years during which she ministered in Elementary Education in grades 1 through 5 in schools throughout the Keystone State of Pennsylvania as well as in a school in the Sunshine State of Florida.
Being a natural born teacher, Sister Ann Elizabeth had a special knack of reaching the quiet, struggling student. The order in her classrooms was superb. The bulletin boards created just the right environment for learning and were especially festive during the Christmas season.
Sister Ann Elizabeth was soft spoken, a trait that encouraged her students to be quiet and attentive—uttering not a boisterous sound except when Kermit the Frog joined them during reading time, and was greeted like a long lost friend! Without a doubt, her students will long remember their reading companion - even if Kermit was not a “real” frog!
Sister loved kittens—the “real,” living, soft fur, purring variety. We do not know how many undomesticated cats she tamed while in ministry at Villa of Our Lady Retreat House in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania.
Her favorite snack food was yellow and orange candy corn and during the Halloween season, she gave up her diet!
Prayerful, cheerful, a good listener, Sister was a positive influence in the local living fraternity, a ray of sunshine. She was known for her cheery smile accompanied by her warm, friendly signature greeting: “Good Day! How are you?”
I remember well, Sister Ann Elizabeth, when we had a vocation retreat at Villa of Our Lady Retreat House in Mt Pocono. At every break in the schedule, the young women sought out Sister to enjoy her company. Sister’s welcoming smile and pleasant personality, along with her wise advice, seemed to attract them. Perhaps it was the reflection of God’s love that she portrayed.
During her retirement years, which began in 2016, Sister Ann Elizabeth lovingly embraced the ministry of prayer and presence at St. Joseph Villa until, at age 85, and in her 66th year of her covenant with the Lord, God called her home.
Thank you, Sister Ann Elizabeth, for journeying with us in your commitment to the consecrated life, reflecting God's love as a true witness and example of the Gospel message. We will miss you. May you rest forever in the loving arms of Jesus whom you served so well. May all of your days in Heaven be Glorious.
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In love and compassion
We commend to God our dear
Sister Mary Margaret
Anna Jackson
who entered eternal life
Monday, February 7, 2022 at 6:10 a.m.
in the 62nd year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 80.
Viewing
Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, February 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
Reading, PA
Feastday: October 16
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Mary Margaret’s closest surviving family members:
Brothers:
Sebastian Jackson
1307 Idlewood Ave
Richmond VA 23220-6128
804.278.5965
804.389.3036 (cell)
Joseph Jackson
4024 Fauquier Ave
Richmond VA 23227-4040
804.640.3358 (cell)
804.240.0447 (Susan Jackson)
John Jackson
1116 Trieste Ct
Virginia Beach VA 23454-7369
804.370.8651 (cell)
Sisters:
Mrs. Mary Ochs
15818 Lake Lodge Dr
Houston TX 77062-4746
281.480.3778
713.259.4251 (cell)
Mrs. Evelyn Knoll
7101 N Via de Paesia
Scottsdale AZ 85258-3706
480.922.0464
484.455.8277
Sister Mary Margaret Jackson
February 11, 2022
Sister Mary Margaret was born on June 30, 1941 in Richmond, Virginia to Sebastian and Evelyn Jackson. She was the eldest of six children who included three brothers (John, Sebastian, and Joseph), and two sisters (Evelyn and Mary).
On September 2, 1959, Anna Jackson responded to God’s invitation and entered the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. She became a novice in 1960 and was given the name Sister Mary Margaret. After a period of formation, she professed her perpetual vows in 1966.
Her baptismal name Anna, means grace, her Religious name Mary means beloved,
and Margaret means pearl. Indeed, our congregation was graced with a beloved pearl of southern finesse, generosity, a humble goodness, and a visionary in her many roles of leadership.
Early on, Sister Mary Margaret’s gifts were recognized. She received a Nursing Diploma, and
a B.S. Degree in Nursing, a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration, and a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies. In addition, she received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Alvernia, the college that was dear to her heart.
During her ministry in Health Care, it was with much grace that she undertook the mammoth responsibility of Administrator at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia and then at Sacred Heart Hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania.
In Congregational Leadership, she served as a Councilor in Sacred Heart Province. Then, with openness to the design of God and the call of her Sisters, she accepted the challenge to be our Congregational Minister for two six-year terms.
During her tenure, she left the fingerprint of God’s goodness in her efforts to further the mission of the Gospel. She was a woman of strong faith and prayer who had vision and heart as well as a gentle strength to do the difficult tasks of leadership.
Sister Mary Margaret had a great desire for the congregation to reap the blessings of internationality. She traveled to wherever our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters were missioned,
in order to share in their lives, and to listen and learn.
In her journey of faith, she joyfully accepted the responsibilities of Novice Director,
Local Minister at St. Joseph Villa, and, once again, Congregational Leadership as Assistant Congregational Minister.
Her special smile reminds us of so many happy memories.
- We remember a poised and confident leader who possessed insightful observations, an openness to suggestions, and a sense of humor that tickled our funny bone.
- We remember how she clothed determination and justice in a velvet cloth of integrity.
- We remember how a white West Highland terrier was the angel in her life.
- We remember the countless hours that she studied Portuguese in preparation for her trips to Brazil, and her undaunted desire to see the beauty of all cultures.
- We remember her kindness and nonjudgmental attitude when someone shared their deepest concerns with her.
- We remember how she pondered each decision in the backdrop of prayer.
- We remember a quiet spoken woman who was gentle, caring, and devoted to the Franciscan way of being and who had a heart for the poor.
Alzheimer’s disease invaded the last few years of Sister Mary Margaret’s life where dancing memories and endless connections were caught in a web of mystery. Through it all, she never lost her endearing smile.
Sister Mary Margaret’s work here on earth is now finished. On February 7, 2022, in the 62nd year of religious life, God smiled upon her and called His faithful servant home.
We will miss her even though we know in our hearts that she is with her God, the love of her life. In many ways she is still with us, for love and precious memories leave behind more than death can take away.
For a moment, with borrowed words, let us imagine Sister Mary Margaret’s new life:
- Imagine stepping on a shore and finding it heaven.
- Imagine taking hold of a hand and finding it God’s hand.
- Imagine breathing new air and finding it celestial air.
- Imagine feeling invigorated and finding it immortality.
- Imagine passing from storm and tempest to an unknown calm.
- Imagine waking and finding it home ….
(“Imagine” was inspired from the hymn “Finally Home” by Don Wyrtzen)
And, I add, Imagine Sister Mary Margaret interceding for us from above.
The memories of Sister Mary Margaret that we hold in our hearts are now part of us. We treasure those blessings that we received through her life.
May we, in turn, share those blessings with others in thanksgiving to God and in memory of Sister Mary Margaret’s goodness as we continue to share love and kindness on earth, so that one day we may all meet again when God calls us home.
Thank you, Sister Mary Margaret. May you rest in God’s embrace for all eternity.
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Myra
Angela Dziedzic
who entered eternal life
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 2:35 a.m.
in the 73rd year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 94.
Viewing
Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: September 8
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Myra’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Helen Sweeney [twin sister]
79 Sharp St
Millville NJ 08332-2447
856.327.5668
Niece:
Barbara Alba
(no address given)
570.479.3193
Sister Myra Dziedzic
December 30, 2021
Good Morning. On behalf of our Congregational Minister, Sister Marilisa da Silva, and all the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, we welcome the family and friends of Sister Myra, and express our condolences to all her relatives and friends, those who are with us today, and those who are not able to join us here.
Angela Dziedzic, daughter of the late Anthony and Regina Dziedzic, was born on March 20, 1927 in Port Griffith, Pennsylvania, and was baptized at St. Joseph Church in Pittston. Sister Myra was one of 10 children and is survived by her twin sister, Helen Sweeney of Millville, New Jersey, as well as nieces and nephews.
Sister Myra entered the Bernardine Franciscan Order on August 11, 1949, and was in her 73rd year of religious life. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Villanova University and was a primary school educator, teaching in parish elementary schools in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California for 41 years. In California Sister Myra taught at Beatitudes of Our Lord in La Mirada. In Michigan she served at St. Angela in Roseville; St. Francis in Muskegon; St. Linus in Dearborn; St. Thomas Aquinas in Saginaw.
In Pennsylvania, she taught at Holy Trinity in Nanticoke; St. John the Baptist in Plymouth; St. Joseph in Wilkes-Barre; St. Stanislaus in Hazleton; St. Mary in Swoyerville; Holy Rosary in Duryea; St. Hedwig in Kingston; St. Michael in Old Forge; St. Mary in Plymouth; Sacred Heart in Dupont, and SS. Peter & Paul in Plains. During her years in ministry, she also served as principal, local minister, pastoral caregiver, and Eucharistic Minister, resident at Villa of Our Lady Retreat House in Mount Pocono, and, lastly, retiring to St Joseph Villa in Reading in 2015.
Sister Myra was a woman of faith and prayer. She loved God, her dear family, her many friends and her Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. She was a deeply compassionate person, and like her devoted family, very generous in offering many financial gifts and donations for the mission efforts of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. She was loyal to her family and friends, praying for them and offering assistance when she was able, or when there was a need. During her years in ministry, she often joined the ladies of the parish at the annual Church picnics, helping with fund raising projects and with food preparation, “pinching pierogis,” always a popular item at the upstate Parish summer picnics.
Sister Myra had a compassionate heart for the elderly. Before retiring to St. Joseph Villa, she and her sister, Sister Felicia Ann, would frequently go on weekends to the home of their elderly brother to do tasks that he was no longer able to do for himself such as clean house and cook meals. Being helpful to all was part of her outgoing and compassionate personality, and we remember her with fondness and gratitude.
During her retirement years, Sister Myra lovingly embraced the ministry of prayer and presence at St. Joseph Villa until, at the age of 94, God called her home. Thank you, Sister Myra, for journeying with us in your commitment to the consecrated life, reflecting God's love as a witness and example. May you rest forever in the loving arms of Jesus whom you served so well.
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Ruth
Pearl Theresa Jasinski
who entered eternal life
Monday, August 23, 2021, at 1:12 a.m.
in the 75th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 94.
Viewing
Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
Reading Hospital-Tower Health
West Reading, PA
Feastday: September 12
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Ruth’s closest surviving family members:
Nephews:
Thomas G. Bialas
7134 Old Bayside Rd
Chesapeake Beach MD 20732-4328
443.975.9181
John Bialas
5 Dubois Dr
S Burlington VT 05403-7638
802.865.6816
Nieces:
Geraldine Ruth Greenwood
739 S Hanover St.
Pottstown, PA 19465-7519
610.914.1025 (cell)
Lorraine Witek
417 Saint Bernardine St
Reading PA 19607-1736
610.796.7928
Sister Ruth Jasinski
August 23, 2021
Good morning. We welcome everyone to the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Ruth, and we thank you for your presence here with us today. On behalf of Sister Marilisa da Silva, Congregational Minister, and all our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, I extend our deepest sympathy to her nieces, Geraldine and Dianne, her nephews, John and Thomas, and the members of her extended family and friends as we gather to celebrate her life and her future Resurrection in the Lord.
Sister Ruth was born into the loving family of John and Sophie Jasinski on February 19, 1927, here in the city of Reading, Pennsylvania. She was one of 12 children having six brothers and five sisters. She was baptized in St Anthony Church in Millmont and given the name, Pearl. After completing the eighth grade she entered the Aspirancy of the Bernardine Sisters. After the completion of her years in Formation, she made her Final Vows on August 12, 1953. Her years of education earned her a certificate in Food Service Management.
Sister Ruth’s years of ministry took her throughout the east coast where she ministered in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia and then out West in South Dakota. She put her whole heart and soul into her service as a dietician. She nourished her sisters with whom she resided in the many convents, and happily prepared food for the children in Little Flower School in Hyde Park, Massachusetts and Our Lady of Fatima Orphanage in Elmhurst, Pennsylvania.
Sister Ruth was well known and revered for her culinary skills. She would frequently call the sisters to come home for lunch and have delicious soups and desserts prepared for them. One of her specialties was making cream puffs in the form of a swan – beak, and wings and tail included, with the sumptuous cream filling dusted in confectionary sugar. Were there unexpected visitors on a Saturday afternoon? No problem. Sister Ruth would whip up a nourishing meal in no time at all.
Here in the motherhouse where she resided since 2006, Sister Ruth would frequently be seen offering hours of service at the reception desk. Her lovely smile would greet our guests, and when someone needed a substitute, a call to Sister Ruth would fill the time slot in the blink of an eye. She was a person of quiet demeanor, but she loved a good story, especially a good joke, we loved to hear her hearty laugh.
Sister Ruth was a good and faithful friend, especially to our dear Sister Helene. She would visit the Sisters in St Joseph Villa on Sundays and take them little treats and offer hugs until her own health began failing, and she herself became a resident in May of this year. At the Villa, she continued her ministry of prayer and presence until she heard the voice of her Beloved call, “Come home, my good and faithful servant, my pearl of great price.” She died peacefully in the early morning hour on August 23. We will miss her presence here, and we pray that she will intercede for us with our God whom she served with her whole heart. Rest in peace, Sister Ruth.
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In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Martin Joseph
Eileen Riordan
who entered eternal life
Monday, July 26, 2021 at 3:20 a.m.
in the 54th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 72.
Viewing
Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
Reading Hospital-Tower Health
West Reading, PA
Feastday: November 11
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Martin Joseph’s closest surviving family members:
Brothers:
Matthew Riordan
5616 Carroll St
Churchton MD 20733-9799
240.508.6961
Patrick John Riordan
12300 Southampton Dr
Bishopville, MD 21813-1738
443.623.6162
Sister:
Kathleen White
513 Regatta Bay Blvd
Destin FL 32541-5336
443.458.3695
Eulogy
Sister Martin Joseph Riordan
July 29, 2021
Good morning. We welcome everyone to the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Martin Joseph, and we thank you for your presence here with us today. On behalf of Sister Marilisa da Silva, Congregational Minister, and all our Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, I extend our deepest sympathy to her sister Kathleen, her brothers Patrick and Matthew, and the members of her extended family as we gather to celebrate her life and her future Resurrection in the Lord.
Sister Martin Joseph, Eileen Riordan, was born in New York City on April 3, 1949, the oldest of six children, to Martin John and Catherine Theresa McElroy Riordan. She was baptized in the Church of St. Gregory the Great, and after completing her elementary education, she attended La Reine High School in Suitland, Maryland where she met the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Although she was not an aspirant at that time, she was deeply attracted to the dedicated life of prayer and service she observed among the sisters and the joyful spirit among the girls preparing for religious life. After her graduation, she decided to enter the Postulancy of the congregation in Reading on September 3, 1967. When she completed her initial formation, Sister Martin Joseph pronounced her Final Vows on August 12, 1973.
During her 54 years in religious life, Sister Martin Joseph shared her gifts and talents in a variety of ministries. After graduating from Alvernia College with a B.S. degree in Education, she took additional classes at Wilkes University to study learning styles for teaching children. Along with her companion Bernardine sisters, she thoroughly enjoyed this experience, especially the walks around Public Square, sharing classroom stories, window shopping on Main Street, and occasionally stopping for a pizza lunch near the campus. During her years of ministry in Connecticut, she assisted the staff at Villa Maria Retreat House. In Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Newport News, Virginia she was an elementary school teacher, group mother, housekeeper, day care worker, family focus staffer, worked in child abuse prevention and as a nursing assistant. In 2015, when signs of poor health indicated her need for more acute care, Sister Martin returned to Reading as a patient in St. Joseph Villa.
Sister Martin Joseph was a faithful follower of Christ, and she lived the consecrated life with radiant joy and a humble heart. Her smile expressed her tender love for everyone, cherishing enduring friendships and a deep love for her family. Her sensitive concern for others served her well in her ministry with small children, in tending the needs of the sick, and in modeling acceptance of God’s will in every circumstance.
Sister Martin was always a positive person, slow to complain, quick to laugh, enjoying a good joke or a prank, never one to miss out on a fun time, to lift our spirits, to comfort us by her compassion. During her last years at St. Joseph Villa, she participated in the programs of Senior Life with great enthusiasm, and was a bright spark among her companions in the routine of passing days. Her final years, as we saw her decline, were still marked by kindness, patience, and a spirituality of surrender and love.
As we commend her soul to God, let us also pray that she will be an intercessor for all of us, knowing she will not forget us, nor we her, in this journey to eternal life. Dear Sister, may you now enjoy eternal love and peace, your reward for a life given totally and completely to God.
Written by Sister Rosemary Stets
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Elma
Adelle Podbielski
who entered eternal life
Friday, July 2, 2021, at 1:00 a.m.
in the 75th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 95.
Viewing
Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at 2:00 p.m.
St Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, Reading, PA
Place of Death
St Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: April 15
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Elma’s closest surviving family members:
Brother
Vincent Podbielski
238 Aley Hill Rd
Beaver Falls PA 15010
724.843.7845
Nieces
Paula Fierstos
1030 Irvington NE
Massillon OH 44646-4424
Barbara Dewhirst
143 Addis Ave
Beaver Falls PA 15010-1015
724.630.1501
Cousin
Stephania Podbielski
Kazimienza Wielkiego
590800 Luban 90/2
44413
POLAND
Eulogy
Sister Elma Podbielski
July 7, 2021
Good morning. Welcome to the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Mary Elma. We also remember in prayer the family of Sister Elma, and extend our sympathy to her brother, Vincent Podbielski, her nieces, Paula Fierstos and Barbara Dewhirst, and their families.
Adelle Podbielska was born on January 14, 1926 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. Her parents were the late Anthony and Stella Podbielski. She was one of eleven children, having had eight brothers and two sisters. One of her sisters, Jenny, was Sister Elma’s identical twin. Presently, her brother, Vincent Podbielski, is the only surviving sibling.
Following High school in 1945, Adelle entered the Postulancy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters and proceeded to the Novitiate in August 1946, receiving the name Sister Mary Elma. She pronounced perpetual vows on August 12, 1952.
Sister Elma was a graduate of Villanova University and ministered in the field of elementary education for 40 years. She was stationed in Delaware at St. Mary Magdalen in Wilmington; in Michigan at Holy Innocents in Roseville; at St Anne in Linwood; at St Robert Bellarmine in Detroit; at St Francis de Sales in Muskegon; at St. Thomas Aquinas in Saginaw; at St Angela in Roseville; and at Mary’s Manor in Farmington Hills; in New Jersey at Holy Family in Carteret and at Sacred Heart in Manville; in Pennsylvania at Sacred Heart in Reading; at St. Mary’s in Mahanoy City; and at St. Joseph Villa in Reading; in South Dakota at Holy Name; in Watertown; and in Texas at Christ the King in Dallas. The majority of Sister Elma’s years of service were spent in Michigan.
Sister Elma was an excellent primary grade teacher. First grade was her favorite. Her gentle manner created an atmosphere for learning and touched the hearts of the little ones as well as the hearts of their parents.
God blessed Sister Elma with musical talent. She played the organ and piano by ear. To the amazement of many, she taught her first graders to harmonize. On special occasions in the convent, such as birthdays and feast days, she would entertain the sisters by playing special songs on her harmonica. Even in her retirement years she still brought joy to many as she filled the air with music.
In 1987 Sister Elma retired from teaching and was missioned at Mary’s Manor in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where she delighted the sisters with her culinary skills. She was very considerate of the needs of others.
Sister Elma had great devotion to Saint Anthony. When someone lost or misplaced something, they would ask Sister Elma to pray to Saint Anthony that the item would be found. Most frequently, Sister Elma’s request would be answered.
Sister Elma was a gentle, humble soul, and also a suffering soul, silently bearing discomfort due to physical ailments, especially with her eyes, which for a long duration caused her severe pain.
Those who had the privilege to share live with Sister Elma often remarked that she was so easy to live with. She was quiet, kind, prayerful, hardworking, and unassuming. She melted hearts with her winning smile.
In 2018 Sister Elma went to St. Joseph Villa to spend her remaining years. She still had her peaceful presence, her beautiful smile, and a song in her heart to share with all.
On July 2, 2021, at the age of 95, God called Sister Elma home. We carry grateful hearts that for 75 years she journeyed with us as a Bernardine Franciscan Sister and for the beautiful way that Sister Elma reflected God’s love throughout her life.
When an ordinary life is lived with kindness, compassion, and service, it blesses the lives of so many others, that it becomes an extraordinary life. Thank you, Sister Elma, for blessing us by your extraordinary life. May you smile upon us from heaven as you rest in the embrace of our loving God.
Written by Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Assistant Congregational Minister
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Claudine
Stefania (Stephanie) Jachimowicz
who entered eternal life
Monday, March 29, 2021 at 6:45 p.m.
in the 71st year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 92.
Private Mass: Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to COVID-19 pandemic]
Private Burial: Thursday, April 1, 2021
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery - Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to COVID-19 pandemic]
Place of Death - Mifflin Center – Shillington, PA
Feastday: February 15
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Claudine’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Natalie Fandozzi
2000 Boyle Rd Apt 40B
Selden NY 11784
631.509.4252
Nephew:
James (and Susan) Fandozzi
5 High Gate Dr
Smithtown NY 11787-1333
631.361.6578 (H)
James’ cell:631.338.5654
Susan’s cell: 631.338.5661
Cousin:
Ryszard & Zofia Boguta
46-30 UL Powstancow
48-340 Glucholazy POLAND
Eulogy
Sister Claudine Jachimowicz
March 31, 2021
Good Morning. Today our Eucharistic Liturgy will be a Memorial Mass for our dear Sister Mary Claudine Jachimowwicz. Although we are unable to have friends and family members with us at this time, we remember them in our prayers, extending our deepest sympathy to her sister, Natalie Fandozzi, and to Sister’s nephew, James and his wife Susan Fandozzi, as well as to cousins in Poland and her friends in Silver Spring, Maryland, John and Jane Feldman.
Stephania (Stephanie) Jachimowicz was born into the loving family of Francis and Tekla Jachimowicz on August 15, 1928 in Mazurskie Lany, Poland. Sister Claudine had four brothers and four sisters. At present, her sister, Natalcia (Natalie), who lives in Selden, New York, is the only surviving sibling.
When Sister Claudine was about eight months old, her mother died from Galloping TB [tuberculosis]. Her father remarried and Sister Claudine had a new mother, Julia, who Sister Claudine said was a real mom to her and was very loving and kind.
Our dear Sister Claudine had many challenges in her life. Her childhood was interrupted in September 1939, when the Russian Army invaded Poland. One very early morning, in February of 1940, the Russian military woke her family, and with guns pointed at her father, told them that they had a half hour to pack what they needed and leave home. Without knowing where they were going, they, along with other families, were put on a train to Russia.
A week after they arrived in Russia, they were forced into crowded Russian-built boxcars where they were hungry and so cold that at night their clothes froze to the walls of the boxcars. After about a month of traveling they arrived in Siberia, where the conditions were so austere that her grandfather and two of her younger sisters ages 3 and 18 months died.
Both of Sister Claudine’s parents were assigned to hard manual labor even though her mom had recently given birth. Her parents were driven to the work site on Mondays and were not reunited with their children until Saturdays. During this time her mother and her newborn sister died. Sister Claudine said that during these difficult times they knelt and prayed, sang hymns, cried, and placed themselves in God’s hand. This deep faith continued throughout Sister Claudine’s life.
In the fall of 1941, Russia issued an amnesty so that the Polish Army along with Russian Military could fight the German Army. Typhoid fever broke out and thousands of people died. Sister Claudine’s father was among those who died. Only Sister Claudine, who was twelve, her sister, Natalcia (Natalie), who was five, and her uncle Ted survived.
In February of 1942, Sister Claudine and her sister, Natalcia (Natalie), were relocated to India where they stayed for five years.
In 1947, at the request of Father Pluta, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters agreed to sponsor 50 young women to come to the United States. Sister Claudine was among them.
In 1948, Sister Claudine arrived in the United States and came to call America her home and the Bernardine Sisters her family. Sister Claudine said that she left India not merely to find a home and start a new life, but to become a Sister.
After completing the Aspirancy and Postulancy of the Bernardine Sisters, her dream became a reality, when, on August 11, 1950, she became a novice in the Bernardine Franciscan Congregation and in 1956 pronounced her perpetual vows.
Sister Claudine became an U.S. citizen and pursued the field of education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Collage Misericordia in Dallas, PA, and a Master of Arts from Marygrove College in Detroit, MI.
Sister Claudine ministered through her years of service to God’s people in the following states: California, Maryland, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.
Sister taught school for 31 years and then became principal for 9 years and, at various times, Superior/Local Minister. She also served four years as a councilor on Our Lady of the Rosary Province Leadership Team in Michigan.
When Sister Claudine was leaving St. Robert Bellarmine School in Detroit, Michigan, after serving there for 18 years, in appreciation, the parish gave her a wonderful gift by providing funds for her to have a mini sabbatical in the Holy Land. Sister spent three weeks in Israel visiting the holy places. Sister Claudine was so grateful and said that she always thanked God and the generous people at St. Robert’s Parish for this gift and experience. She claimed that since then, reading the scripture had never been the same.
After her return from Israel in 1994, Claudine was assigned to Rockville, MD as Local Minister of one of our Transitional Living Communities for seasoned Bernardine Sisters. She was made for the job, with her warm welcoming personality and compassionate heart. And she loved a good time. Sister Claudine had a way of bringing people together and building inclusive fraternities. Claudine was dearly loved wherever she was stationed.
In 1999, Sister Claudine relocated to Mary Immaculate Convent in Newport News, Virginia where she did volunteer work at Mary Immaculate Hospital. Her welcoming presence was a blessing for all. While at Mary Immaculate Convent, she formed a prayer group that would occasionally meet for Mass at St. Francis Nursing Home followed by prayer and baked treats at her residence. Sister Claudine loved to bake and was generous in sharing her homemade baked goods. If any sisters would come to Newport News for Hospital board meetings, or for any reason, they always returned with baked goods for their local fraternity. Hospitality was a wonderful hallmark of Sister Claudine. She always went out of her way to make everyone feel welcome. She loved people and she loved a good time.
Another virtue of Sister Claudine’s was her sense of gratitude. She often expressed her gratitude to God, to the Sisters and to the people for the blessings they were in her life. She was grateful to everyone, and for everything. Even during the time of her illness, she would always thank those who cared for her.
The harsh treatment that Sister Claudine experienced in her early life in Russia and Siberia did not embitter her. Rather, it made her more compassionate and sensitive to the needs of others. She clung to God and believed that God would not abandon his people.
In 2018, when Sister Claudine came to St. Joseph Villa she still had her friendly personality, her positive attitude, her contagious smile, her deep faith, and her inclusive heart.
Sister’s beautiful ways touched the lives of many. The memory of her goodness will live on in our hearts.
On March 29, 2021, at the age of 92, God called his faithful servant home. We will miss Sister Claudine, and we carry grateful hearts for the 71 years that she journeyed with us as our Sister, and for the beautiful way that she reflected God’s love throughout her life. May she rest in God’s embrace for all eternity.
Written by Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Assistant Congregational Minister
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Miriam Jude
Regina Remar
who entered eternal life
Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at 10:27 a.m.
in the 62nd year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 80.
Private Mass: Monday, March 8, 2021, at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial of Cremated Remains - Thursday, March 11, 2021
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery - Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death - St. Joseph Villa - Reading, PA
Feastday: December 12
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Miriam Jude’s closest surviving family members:
Brothers:
Raymond M. and Noreen Remar
100 Stardust Dr
Southampton PA 18966-2746
215.860.1192 (H)
215.801.4143
Joseph and Marcy Remar
801 Stonebridge Dr
Lancaster PA 17601-1479
610.517.7113
Aunt:
Betty Pettine
13 Balsam St
Homosassa FL 34446-5554
352.382.1967
352.476.5466
Eulogy
Sister Miriam Jude Remar
March 8, 2021
Good morning. Today, our Eucharistic Liturgy will be a Memorial Mass for our dear Sister Miriam Jude Remar. Although we are unable to have friends and family members with us at this time, we remember them in our prayers, extending our deepest sympathy to her brothers Raymond in Southampton, PA and Joseph in Lancaster, PA, her Aunt Betty Pettine in Florida, and the friends and associates she held dear to her heart all her life.
Sister Miriam Jude was born in Bridgeport, PA, one of four children in the family of Joseph and Anna Remar. She graduated from St. Matthew’s High School in Conshohocken in 1958, and entered the novitiate of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1959. She began her studies in higher education at Alvernia College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and English in 1963.
She completed graduate studies in Spanish language and literature at Fairfield University in CT, and graduate education courses from the University of Detroit in Michigan. Miriam Jude was also a trained Catechist for the Archdiocese of Detroit and a Program Director for Villa Maria Retreat House in Stamford, CT. For 28 years, Miriam remained a dedicated elementary and secondary school teacher. She traveled with the first missionary group of Bernardines to open Sacred Heart School in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, and was an outstanding educator in Catholic schools throughout the U.S., in Connecticut, California, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington, DC.
Sister Miriam Jude was a gifted musician with a beautiful voice and loved to sing in the church and school choirs wherever she was sent. Her great outlet was playing the piano which helped her to relax and work out problems in troubling situations. Miriam loved languages, and she excelled in creative, lyrical writing. Her great passion was the Spanish language and, in all her travels, she sought out opportunities to speak and communicate in Spanish not only in school settings, but also with the street people she met in towns, stores, or settings where she could engage others in meaningful conversation. This was, perhaps unofficially, her primary mission as a religious. At heart, Miriam was an evangelizer, using her talents to spread the good news of Jesus in every setting and with a spontaneous freedom that endeared her to so many she met along the way.
In her later years, Miriam always admired the congregation’s decision to work with women and children, but never thought of herself in this role. She wrote in her Christmas letter to a friend shortly before her retirement to St. Joseph Villa: “our God is a God of surprises who has other plans for me… I had been a teacher for many years, but today I am the Residential Supervisor at Malta House, a residential program offering a fresh start to single pregnant women and their children, all of whom are homeless.”
In this Christmas letter to family and friends, she expressed her great joy and amazement at how God leads us, works with us, and in the process transforms us to be messengers of Good News to the world we touch through our lives. She concluded by saying: “It is a wonderful experience, working during this Christmas season with these women whose commitment is to bring new life into the world …especially at this time when a NEWBORN is the focus and the promise of our redemption!”
Like Miriam, we need to remember this as we grow and age in our call to follow Christ: that everything we do for love of God and in service to others will be the sum of our eternity with Jesus Christ, our spouse and savior – the focus and promise of our redemption! Let us pray to be worthy.
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Agnesita
Marian Kozuch
who entered eternal life
Sunday, February 28, 2021, at 6:25 a.m.
in the 80th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 99.
Private Mass: Monday, March 1, 2021 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial of Cremated Remains - Thursday, March 11, 2021
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery - Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death - St. Joseph Villa, Reading, PA
Feastday: January 21
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended
to Sister Agnesita’s closest surviving family members:
Brother:
Stanley F. (and Jean) Kozuch
8365 State Road 158
Bedford, IN 47421-7532
812.275.2032
Nieces:
Delrey (and John) McArdle
190 Coal St
Nesquehoning PA 18240-1203
570.669.9540
Annmarie (and David) Orsulak
867 S Lincoln Ave
Walnutport PA 18088-1119
610.767.5483
Bernadette (and Greg) Solarczyk
51 Hometown Ave
Tamaqua PA 18252-4033
570.668.4327
Sister-in-law:
Mary Kozuck
2814 Dewberry Rd
York PA 17404-6616
717.767.2945
Niece-in-law:
Suzanne Kozuch [wife of S. Agnesita’s deceased nephew, Richard]
110 Cranbrook Dr
Dover PA 17315-1236
717.308.0633
Eulogy
Sister Agnesita Kozuch
March 1, 2021
Good morning. Today our Eucharistic Liturgy will be a Memorial Mass for our dear Sister Agnesita Kozuch. Although we are unable to have friends and family members with us at this time, we remember them in our prayers, extending our deepest sympathy to her brother, Stanley and her nieces Annmarie, Delrey and Bernadette; her sister-in-law, Mary and her niece-in-law, Suzanne.
Marian Kozuch was born into the loving family of Stanley and Josephine Kozuch on December 15, 1921, in Lansford, Pennsylvania. She was the oldest of six children having 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Her brother Stanley is the only sibling still living.
Marian attended SS. Peter and Paul Parish Elementary School in Lansford, Pennsylvania and entered the Aspirancy as a senior in high school on September 3, 1939. She became a Postulant on August 10, 1940, and, after her years of initial formation, she professed her Final Vows on August 12, 1947.
Sister Agnesita pursued the field of education earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University. She then earned a Master’s Degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and received a Certificate as a Reading Specialist.
Sister Agnesita’s years of ministry took her to Michigan, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. She spent 59 years in the Education field as a primary grade teacher. She ministered as Superior for the sisters at various times in Gladwin and Linwood, Michigan, and served as principal in Gladwin for 6 years while continuing to teach first and second grades.
Sister Agnesita loved her ministry of teaching and was known as a modal teacher. Sister Agnesita, being short and small in stature, came down to the level of her students and was very soft spoken which fostered good classroom management.
It was evident that she loved the children. Frequently she called a child by the title “Angel.” All the parents wanted their little ones in her class, not only because she gave their children a strong academic foundation but also because she instilled in them a love for God and the importance of treating others with kindness. Sister Agnesita provided a holistic education long before the term became popular. There seems to be a correlation between the image of Jesus with the children and Sister Agnesita with the children.
Sister Agnesita was also a prayerful, faithful Religious, contributing much to fraternal life and the Mission. She had a way of seeing the good in people. It would be very unusual if one heard Sister Agnesita say anything derogatory about another person. It would also be uncommon to hear anyone say something derogatory about Sister Agnesita. What a treasure it must be to see the good in everyone.
Sister Agnesita had a quiet personality, yet she possessed a deep inner joy. She was truly a gift to our congregation. When retiring from the formal classroom, Sister continued to tutor. Many past students and parents of students that she taught continued to correspond with Sister Agnesita because she had touched their lives. Sister Agnesita faithfully responded to their correspondence with her arthritic hands making that part of her ministry.
When Sister Agnesita’s blood sister, Sister Sharon, who was also a Bernardine Sister, became terminally ill, Sister Agnesita transferred to Newport News, Virginia, to be with her sister as a support. While there, Sister Agnesita became an aide for Family Focus, a program at Mary Immaculate Hospital.
Following her three years in Virginia, Sister Agnesita was a welcome presence at St. Casimir Convent in Shenandoah for 3 years and then at our Motherhouse Convent in Reading, Pennsylvania where her presence was a blessing to many.
As her health declined, Sister Agnesita retired to St. Joseph Villa in 2015 where she was engaged in a ministry of prayer and presence. She was still the same precious Agnesita, with a Rosary in her hand and kindness in her heart.
On the morning of February 28, 2021, at the age of 99, our Lord called His faithful servant home to her promised reward. What a celebration in heaven that must have been! Now, without the bounds of time, may she continue to be our intercessor in heaven.
We thank you, Sister Agnesita, for the inspiration that you have been to us during the 80 years that you have journeyed with us as a Bernardine Franciscan Sister. May you rest in peace!
Written by Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Assistant Congregational Minister
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Mary Doloria
Czesɫawa (Celia) Sitnik
who entered eternal life
Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 10:20 a.m.
in the 83rd year
of her covenant with the Lord
at age 102 .
Private Mass: Friday, February 5, 2021 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial: Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
Reading Hospital Tower Health, West Reading, PA
Feastday: September 15
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Mary Doloria’s closest surviving family members:
Nephews:
Henry Sitnik
314 Paradise Ave
Woonsocket RI 02895-5454
401.769.3930
Ed Sitnik
2538 Beckwith Rd
Apex, NC 27523-7104
919.363.0019
Titus Sitnki (Richard)
22921 Emerald Chase Pl
Ashburn VA 20148-6446
401.378.7762
Eulogy
Sister Mary Doloria Sitnik
February 5, 2021
Good morning. Today, our Eucharistic Liturgy will be a Memorial Mass for our dear Sister Doloria, Celia Sitnik. Although we are unable to have friends and family members with us at this time, we remember them in our prayers, extending our deepest sympathy to her nephews Henry Sitnik in Woonsocket, RI; Ed Sitnik in Apex, NC; and Richard Sitnik in Ashburn, VA.
Sister Doloria was the 6th of 7 children born to Titus and Victoria Sitnik, Polish immigrant parents, on August 18, 1918 in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. She attended St. Stanislaus Kostka Elementary School where she was educated by the Bernardine Sisters, and entered the congregation after graduating from high school in 1937. It was not unusual in those early years of our history, when there was a rapid growth and expansion of parochial schools in many dioceses, that Sister Doloria was assigned to teach elementary school as a postulant, just three months after her entrance. She returned to Reading to complete her canonical novitiate the following year, and she pronounced her Final Vows in 1944. She continued in the ministry of elementary education for 17 years, in Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Michigan, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
During these years, Sister Doloria enrolled in college and began her part-time studies. She graduated from Villanova University in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, and from Scranton University in 1970 with a Master of Science in Mathematics. In 1965, she received a special certificate from the Graduate School of the University of Scranton for completing a program in Modern Algebra and Analysis sponsored by the National Science Foundation. For 19 years, she taught math at the high school level at Marymount High School in Wilkes-Barre, and La Reine High School in Washington, D.C.
Sister Doloria’s reputation as a skilled and competent math teacher was legendary. Her mastery of subject content, her ability to explain complex theory and apply it to problem solving, and her no-nonsense-teacher personality was well known and deeply respected by her colleagues and by the students who were fortunate to be enrolled in her classes. In addition to math, Sister Doloria also received a Special Certificate in Engineering and Graphic Design, and for several years, taught Mechanical Drawing at all four levels of high school, along with Business Math.
The praise and gratitude she received from her students, who credited her with their successful careers in professional life after graduation, was equally impressive. From their perspective, many believed Sister Doloria “walked on water” when it came to teaching Math, especially when they began their college studies and recognized the value of her instruction as they found themselves ahead of the pack at the university level.
In 2006, Sister Doloria retired to St. Joseph Villa, where her academic life soon became a memory, but her spiritual life continued to expand and flourish. She was always a disciplined person, rising early to pray, and she quickly embraced the rhythm and peace of retirement, especially the private hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. She was happy to connect with many centennial sisters she knew from her early assignments, renewing these friendships and enjoying activities until her advanced age of 102. Without a doubt, she lived her commitment to the consecrated life with passion and integrity, faithful to the end, ready for the call. May she forever enjoy her eternal reward with the Lord whom she served with so much dignity and grace. Rest in peace, dear Sister Doloria.
Written by Sister Rosemary Stets
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Mary Alyson
Agnes Kauczka
who entered eternal life
Friday, January 29, 2021 at 11:52 a.m.
in the 79th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 98.
Private Mass: Monday, February 1, 2021 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial: Monday, February 8, 2021, at 1:30 p.m.
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Place of Death - St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: January 21
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Mary Alyson’s closest surviving family members:
Brothers:
William (and Lois) Kauczka
138 Cafferty Hill Rd
Endicott NY 13760-8902
607.748.0230 (voice mail)
607.205.0682 (Lois’ cell)
Raymond Kauczka
130 Dorothy Dr
Middletown, CT 06457-5304
860.347.6624 (voice mail)
Sister:
Rose Marie Rosen
26 White Tail Dr
Dallas PA 18612-1551
570.675.0796
Nephew:
Jay (and Tricia) Rosen
4713 Exposition Way
Fort Worth TX 76244-6094
610.608.6325 (cell)
Cousins:
Chester and Nancy Muchinsky
117 Orchard Hill Dr
Palmyra PA 17078-8609
717.832.7703
Christine Kalke Neff
1111 Apple Drive #4
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-3936
717.796.2468 (Home)
717.541.0203 (Work)
Words Spoken for Sister Alyson
February 2, 2021
In 2004, Sister Alyson wrote a note for her administrative file requesting that at her funeral there will be no Eulogy, and so we are honoring that request.
We pray for her soul at this Memorial Mass, in reciting our Office for the Dead, reciting the Rosary, and remembering her in our own personal prayers. We thank God for her life as a Bernardine Franciscan Sister and for the lives she touched in her ministry.
May God grant her peace and heavenly glory as she joins our Bernardine family in eternal life.
Written by Sister Rosemary Stets
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Anell
Helen Laboda
who entered eternal life
Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 2:30 p.m.
in the 83rd year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 98.
Private Mass: [without body] - Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial: Thursday, January 28, 2021, at 1:00 p.m.
Bernadine Sisters Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
Reading Hospital Tower Health - West Reading, PA
Feastday: April 5
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Anell’s closest surviving family members:
Cousins:
Florence Williams
6 Seminary Rd
Hanover Township PA 18705-3118
570.823.2318 [Source: Internet]
Regina Buchinsky & Family
37 Highland Dr
Wilkes-Barre PA 18705-2403
John Reno [cousin or nephew]
1275 Lakeside Dr
Harvey’s Lake PA 18618-3118
Niece:
Mary Ann Daugherty
39 Laurelwood Dr
Wilkes-Barre PA 18702-7215
570.655.61222 [Source: Internet]
Eulogy
Sister Anell Laboda
January 26, 2021
Good morning. Today, our Eucharistic Liturgy will be a Memorial Mass for our dear Sister Anell, Helen Laboda. Although we are unable to have friends and family members with us at this time, we remember them in our prayers, extending our deepest sympathy to her cousins, Florence Williams, Regina Buchinsky and John Reno, her niece Mary Ann Daugherty, and her dear friend Mary Phillips.
Sister Anell, one of 6 children, was born in 1922, and died at the age of 98. Her parents, Simon and Mary Laboda, were born in Poland and settled in Wilkes-Barre, PA, becoming members of St. Mary Maternity parish where Anell was baptized and received her early education.
She felt called to the religious life at a very early age, and entered the Postulancy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters at the age of 15, becoming a novice at the age of 16, and making first vows in 1939 at the age of 17. At her investiture, Sister Anell received the name “Aniela,” a Polish word meaning “Angel.” Although she later chose to use an English version of the name, she never strayed far from the original Aniela in her long and beautiful life. She was always an innocent soul, gentle in manner with a loving and generous heart.
For the first twenty years of her religious life, Sister Anell was assigned to domestic duties in the congregation, including dietary work, laundry, and chapel duties in Pennsylvania, New York, South Dakota, Michigan and Texas. During that time, in the various states and assignments, she began to work for her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, graduating from Siena Heights College in Adrian, MI in 1971. For the next 12 years, Sister Anell taught 2nd grade in California and Texas, completing her ministerial service as a teacher’s aide, which included tutoring and office duties. She retired to St. Joseph Villa in 2011.
When Sister Anell was approaching age 70, serving as a teacher’s aide, she thought she might like to change from education to pastoral ministry and serve the sick, working in a hospital. She began to take driving lessons so she would be able to visit the homebound. She said that she wanted to serve others “in spite of my old age and poor health.” She felt that as long as she ate well, was sufficiently rested, and had no disabilities, why not! Anell may have looked fragile, but she had a missionary heart, and in her own words, she wrote that she “longed to remain in local fraternities where she could have a simple schedule, be independent, and be of service to others.”
Sister Anell was from my home parish, St. Mary’s Maternity, and we were blessed to have many women from the parish enter the Bernardine Sisters over these past decades. When I visited my family for summer vacations, I would often meet the Sisters at Sunday Mass, many for the first time, but we would greet each other like long-lost relatives! I felt honored to be among all these Marymount Sisters, including Sister Anell, and even in these brief encounters, I found strength and confidence to continue my own life journey as a Bernardine.
So, in this Memorial Mass for Sister Anell, I thank God for this angel, for her witness and long life of service, hoping that as she joins the multitude of Bernardines in eternity, we rejoice to have one more intercessor before God, cheering us on, praying for us who continue to serve. Good and faithful servant, may you rest in eternal peace.
Written by Sister Rosemary Stets
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister M. Melrose
Julia Hajduk (Hydock)
who entered eternal life
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 3:29 p.m.
in the 74th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 92.
Private Mass [without Sister’s body] - Friday, January 22, 2021
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial - Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at 9:30 a.m.
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
Reading Hospital Tower Health – West Reading, PA
Feastday: September 8
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Melrose’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Genevieve (Jean) Rushanan
329 Saint Francis St
Minersville PA 17954-1524
570.544.6415
Nieces:
Joann Crescenzo
100 Evadia Circle Apt 302
Warrington PA 18976-3043
215.491.4288
215.264.1125 (cell)
Mary & Robert Carpenter
616 Thomas Ave
Riverton NJ 08077-1446
856.786.1318
609.504.0751 (cell)
Eulogy
Sister M. Melrose Hajduk
January 22, 2021
We gather to honor the life of our dear Sister Melrose, to remember her in prayer and to celebrate her entrance into eternal life. We also hold in prayer all who loved her and will miss her, especially those family members and friends who are not able to be present today. We express our condolences to her sister, Jean Rushanan, and to her nieces Joann and Mary, and their families.
Julia Hajduk was born into the loving family of Thomas and Catherine Hajduk on November 2, 1928, in Buck Run, Pennsylvania. She was one of ten children.
She has one sibling remaining, her sister, Jean Rushanan. Her last brother, John, preceded her in death just two and a half weeks before her.
Julia attended St. Stanislaus Parish School in Minersville, Pennsylvania.
In 1942, after eighth grade, Julia joined the Aspirancy of the Bernardine Sisters for High School.
She entered the Postulancy in August 1946 and became a Novice on August 11, 1947, at which time she received the name of Sister Mercita Melrose. Following her years of initial formation, Sister Melrose made her perpetual vows on August 12, 1953.
Sister Melrose pursued the field of education receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Villanova University. Continuing on to Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she earned a Master of Arts in Special Education with a concentration as a Reading Specialist, and then at Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin a second Master of Arts degree in Special Education with a concentration in Learning Disabilities.
All of her learned skills followed her during her ministerial assignments in the Educational field for 48 years throughout Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Among other teaching assignments, Sister Melrose was among the first group of Sisters to open St. Jude School in Rockville, Maryland in 1956.
Many of us remember the little red brick building between the Motherhouse and St. Joseph Villa when it served as a Reading Clinic and where Sister Melrose brought her expertise as a reading specialist.
The majority of sister’s assignments in special education were in Hyde Park, Massachusetts and Stamford, Connecticut where she served the students who were struggling in educational settings.
In 1965 Sister Melrose started Villa Maria Reading Clinic in the carriage house above the three-car garage as an after school and summer program. In 1968 she moved the program into the new school building attached to the Heart of Mary Provincial House, and it eventually evolved into Villa Maria Education Center for children with learning disabilities. It is still thriving today. Sister Melrose spent 23 years at the Villa Maria Center, as a teacher and, for nine years, as principal.
Sister Melrose was a perceptive, passionate educator with a vision. That was her mission, her way of serving God through the little ones who needed someone to help them and care about them.
Sister Melrose had a big heart and tons of empathy for those who struggled due to learning disabilities. She used her many talents to assist them, including her artistic and musical talents. She had the voice of an angel.
Sister Melrose had a way with children that made them want to learn and to look forward to coming to school.
Besides assuring the children of God’s love for them, and instilling in them self-confidence, she was also very resourceful and found ways to obtain needed services even beyond academic needs.
She made their learning fun too by providing opportunities such as having children perform a play or having a holiday store where children could purchase items with play money that they earned through achievement or behavior. Sister Melrose was very creative, and was much loved by students, parents, educators and her Sisters.
In 1996 Sister Melrose shifted her focus from education, and utilized her organizational skills to serve for four years as Assistant Archivist for the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. She then joined the local fraternity in the Transitional Living Community in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
In 2012, when her health was declining, she retired to St. Joseph Villa, where she entered into a ministry of prayer and presence.
Sister Melrose will be remembered for her quiet unassuming disposition. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand; frequently she was first in line when a call for help was issued.
Sister Melrose had special devotion to our Blessed Mother. Her later years in St. Joseph Villa found her in chapel with Rosary in hand, praying for everyone’s special intentions. When meeting her in the hallway, after a brief conversation her parting words were always, “I am on my way to chapel, I will remember you in prayer.”
On January 19, 2021, at the age of 92, in the 74th year of her religious life, Sister Melrose heard the call of her loving God to come home.
Sister Melrose, from your heavenly home above, we ask you to intercede for us.
You were an inspiration to us and you will truly be missed.
May you rest in eternal peace and enjoy the reward that was promised to you for being faithful to your commitment.
Written by Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Assistant Congregational Minister
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Concetta
Sophie Florence Labenz
who entered eternal life
Thursday, January 14, 2021 at 10:40 p.m.
in the 71st year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 90.
Private Mass [without Sister’s body] - Monday, January 18, 2021 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial – Monday, January 25, 2021
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center - Reading, PA
Feastday: December 8
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Concetta’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Dolores Labenz Zajdel
49203 Delaire Landing Rd
Philadelphia PA 19114-5329
267.672.2279
Nephew:
Stanley Zajdel
223 Valley Dr
Yardley PA 19067-3819
215.288.7361
Niece:
Adrienne Zajdel Stewart
15104 Kovats Dr
Philadelphia PA 19116-1440
215.671.0717
Cousins:
Ann Carey
7631 Weymouth Rd
Hammonton NJ 08037-3409
609.561.5636
Joanne Ward
3106 Victoria Ct
Bensalem PA 19020-1945
215.702.8987
Marianne and David Sweeney
315 Rock Raymond Rd
Downingtown PA 19335-1400
610.269.0604
Ann Shirley and Brian Mallon
124 Pine Vly
St. Simons Island GA 31522-2450
912.638.3051
Eulogy
Sister Concetta Labenz
January 18, 2021
We gather to honor the life of our dear Sister Concetta, to remember her in prayer and to celebrate her entrance into eternal life. We also hold in prayer all who loved her and will miss her, especially those who could not be present today. We send our condolences to her sister, Dolores Zajdel, her nephew, Stanley Zajdel and her niece, Adrienne Stewart, and their families.
Sister Concetta, was the first of two daughters of John and Sophie Labenz.
She was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 17, 1930, and named Sophie Florence Labenz after her mother, Sophie Labenz. She was baptized at St. John Cantius Parish in Philadelphia.
After graduating from Little Flower High School in Philadelphia, she entered the postulancy of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters on September 8, 1949. Following her years in initial formation, she professed her final vows on August 12, 1956.
After a brief four years of teaching in elementary and secondary schools,
Sister Concetta pursued the healing ministry. Following her studies at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, Virginia, she became a registered nurse.
She then received a Bachelor of Science degree from Misericordia College in Dallas, PA and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Sister Concetta served God and God’s people in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Virginia, and Liberia, West Africa.
Throughout her healing ministry, Sister Concetta served in various places in a variety of ministerial roles. She also frequently contributed her wisdom and service as a trustee on Health Care Boards. Assisting Sister Mary Margaret Jackson, Sister Concetta was instrumental in the plan for the addition of a new wing at Sacred Heart Hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania.
When Sister Concetta was a missionary nurse in Liberia Africa, her presence and skills were a gift to the people with whom she journeyed.
From 1982 to 1988, Sister Concetta served as a General Councilor while continuing her ministry at Sacred Heart Hospital in Chester, Pennsylvania.
As a woman of many talents, Sister Concetta touched the lives of many as Vicar for Women Religious in Washington, D.C. She also served as Director of Residential Services at Good Council in Hoboken, New Jersey where included in her many responsibilities was directress of a program for unwed mothers.
Sister Concetta was administrator at Villa Maria Retreat House in Stamford, Connecticut. She served as local Minister for our Transitional Living Community at Sacred Heart Convent in Chester, Pennsylvania. In 2014 Concetta retired to St. Joseph Villa where she remained until God called her home on January 14, 2021.
Sister Concetta often shared stories of her ministries and how she was touched by the people she served.
When we think of Sister Concetta, it brings a smile to our face because of her great sense of humor. She always had a joke to tell and was generous in entertaining us at Chapters and Community meetings. Her gift of humor was a wonderful gift to all of us and we will treasure these memories.
Sister Concetta lived a faith-filled and prayerful life, relying on God for guidance and strength for her life and her ministry.
During her 90 years on earth, she did much to build the Kingdom of God and it was commendable the way that she did it, with compassion, generosity and humor. She even utilized her artistic ability.
Sister Concetta was close to her family and enjoyed visiting them and returning from a visit with stories about the children. She enjoyed going to the Jersey shore whenever an opportunity presented itself.
Sister Concetta also loved her congregation and enhanced community life wherever she was stationed.
Her compassionate heart was true to the end in the way she so faithfully companioned her mutual friend, Sister Mary Margaret at Saint Joseph Villa.
We will miss Sister Concetta, for she had been a wisdom figure in our congregation. We will remember her jovial presence, her ability to make us laugh and to put things in perspective, her thoughtful ways, and her commitment to religious life and to our congregation.
We thank God for the gift of the life of Concetta. And we are grateful to Sister Concetta for reflecting God’s love to us and to the people of God for 71 years as a Bernardine Franciscan Sister.
We treasure the blessings that we received through Sister Concetta’s life. May we in turn share those blessings with others, in memory of her goodness, as we continue to share kindness and goodness on earth, so that one day, we may all meet again when God calls us home.
Written by Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Assistant Congregational Minister
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Joselle
Sophia (Sophie) A. Baran
who entered eternal life
Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at 8:25 p.m.
in the 75th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 92.
Private Mass [without Sister’s body] - Friday, January 15, 2021 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial – Friday, January 15, 2021
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
Reading Hospital Tower Health - West Reading, PA
Feastday: March 19
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Mary Joselle’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Loretta Granger
Country Meadows
4211 N Pond Rd Rm 139
Bethlehem PA 18020
610-248-4252 (cell)
484.294.5125
Nephew:
Joseph & Carol Kalista
44 Mansure St
Barnesville PA 18214-2116
570.467.2424
570.573.5024 (cell, Joseph)
570.573.1434 (cell, Carol)
Niece:
Janet & Brian Trayer
22006 Cherrywood Rd
Woodhaven MI 48183-1145
734.341.4144
Eulogy
Sister Joselle Baran
January 15, 2021
Good morning. Today, our Eucharistic Liturgy will be the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Joselle, Sophie Baran. Although we are unable to have friends and family members with us at this time, we remember them in prayer, extending our deepest sympathy to her sister, Loretta Granger, her nephew and his wife Joseph and Carol Kalista, and her niece and husband Janet and Brian Trayer.
Sister Joselle was one of 14 children in the family of Joseph and Anna Baran, 7 boys and 7 girls. She was born in 1928 in Lansford, PA and was baptized in SS. Peter and Paul Parish. She was taught by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in the parish elementary school, and continued with her high school education at Mount Alvernia in Reading. After graduation, she entered the postulancy and a year later, was admitted to the novitiate on August 11, 1946.
In 1956, Sister Joselle graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, and a minor in Social Studies and English. Education became her life, and she devoted herself to this ministry, teaching 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade for 45 years in various schools throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and Texas. In 1994, while teaching at St. Linus School in Dearborn Heights, MI, Sister Joselle was selected for inclusion in the third edition of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. With this award, she was recognized as someone who has “made a difference” in the lives of her students, a blessing for our congregation and for the Church.
Sister Joselle had a deep and compassionate love for her family, and when three of her brothers became seriously ill, she asked for some extended time at home to care for them until they died. When she returned, she was assigned to Shenandoah, PA where she served as a Pastoral Minister in SS. Stanislaus and Casimir parish. After 4 years, when her sister became very sick, she returned to Lansford for a second time to offer her needed care. In 2009, Sister Joselle retired to St. Joseph Villa where she spent her final years in quiet prayer, with a steady decline in health until her death at 92 years of age.
Throughout her life, Sister Joselle had a great devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. She was faithful to her great family devotion of praying the Rosary daily, and was very proud that in her family, her vocation to the religious life and her brother’s call to the priesthood were sources of great honor and joy. She was faithful to her calling and seemed to live a hidden life of service and prayer, never seeking much attention, kind and gentle in all her ways in community.
Let us remember her in our faithful prayers today, asking her intercession as she joins the great communion of saints in eternal life. May she rest in peace.
Written by Sister Rosemary Stets
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Marilita
Lillian Frances Michalski
who entered eternal life
Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 9:53 a.m.
in the 71st year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 88.
Private Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial: Wednesday, October 21, 2020
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery - Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa - Reading, PA
Feastday: February 2
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Marilita’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Joanne M. Bernhart
555 N. 14th St
Reading, PA 19604-2716
610.374.8548
610.207.5563 (cell)
Niece:
Lisa Schrift
328 Mail Route Rd
Sinking Spring PA 19608
484.400.3776
Brother-in-law/Nephew:
Lou Fiorini
610.779.6025 (Call after 5:00 p.m.)
Eulogy
Sister Marilita Michalski
October 21, 2020
Good morning. Today, our Eucharistic Liturgy will be offered for the repose of the soul of our dear Sister Marilita, and we hold in prayer her only surviving sister Joann Bernhart as well as extended members of her family who cannot be present. As we bid farewell and commend her soul to God, we gather as one family to honor her memory, to pray for her, and to celebrate her entrance into eternal life.
Sister Marilita, Lillian Frances Michalski, was born in Shenandoah, PA in 1932, and baptized in St. Casimir Parish. Sister Marilita was one of 9 children born to Joseph and Anna Michalski, and was educated by the Bernardine Franciscan sisters in the parish elementary school. Writing about her early years, Sister Marilita shared that it brought her joy to know that her birth and baptism occurred on two special feasts: the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, and the Purification of Mary. She believed that although it was the influence of the sisters who inspired her calling, in later years, when she reflected about her vocation to the consecrated life, she felt it was the gift of her mother offering her to God that gave her a religious vocation.
Sister Marilita believed that she first felt a call to the religious life on the day of her first communion, a moment she remembers so vividly. At first, she thought about becoming a cloistered Carmelite sister, but she believed her heart was with the Bernardines and she left home to attend Mount Alvernia High School in Reading. Her mother died unexpectedly during her senior year, but she was consoled by the sisters who helped her find stability and the courage to pursue her dream.
Sister Marilita became a novice in 1950, and after her first profession, she began teaching elementary school, an assignment that continued for 38 years, in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Michigan, Texas, and California. Her community life was interrupted for a short period when she received permission to live with her sister in Arizona during her sister’s fatal illness in 1972, and upon her return, she was assigned to assist in the business office at St. Joseph Villa, where she eventually retired in 2013.
Sister Marilita was prepared for her ministry of education at Misericordia University where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Social Studies, and later an MA from St. Louis University in History. As a teacher, she was always diligent in her preparation and performance in the various schools where she was assigned. She truly enjoyed her teaching experiences even when they were challenging, and two of her students eventually entered the congregation, inspired by her kindness and example. During her early years at St. Joseph Villa, she found a true home with the retired sisters whom she was honored to serve. It gave her a chance to interact with so many sisters she had never known, since she was always missioned so far north, south and west of Pennsylvania. It was a life-giving and uplifting spiritual experience. Although she treasured her years of solitude in Arizona working in St. Philip’s parish after her sister and brother-in-law passed away, she was grateful to connect again with the congregation and to have the loving support of a community of Sisters to share her life.
In her later years, Sister Marilita had time to devote attention to a lifelong passion – appreciation of nature and cultivation of flowers. She loved to plant, grow, and garden and used this gift to bring joy to her companions. Throughout her life, Sister Marilita had a close and intimate relationship with God, and she left a beautiful written testament on her life as a Bernardine Franciscan in some private notes we found after her death. She loved the Blessed Trinity – her loving Father, her true and faithful Spouse, and the Spirit Guide who led her by the hand on her personal faith journey. She writes: God always seemed to find a way to fulfill my innermost desires, and even anticipated them many times. I trust that he will always be near, and that he himself will always be the heaven that I seek!
May her heart rejoice now, with God, who has answered her prayer for all eternity.
Rest in peace, dear Sister.
Written by Sister Rosemary Stets
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Nivette
Josephine Mileniewicz
who entered eternal life
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 9:15 p.m.
in the 74th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 93 .
Private Mass of Christian Burial - Friday, October 9, 2020 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial - Friday, October 9, 2020
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery - Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa - Reading, PA
Feastday: August 5
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Nivette’s closest surviving family members:
Nephew:
Frank Smith
15104 Plumtree Way
Bowie MD 20716-3028
240.478.7848
Niece:
Shirley Jensen
19401 Walker Rd
Willits CA 95490-9697
707.459.4988
Great nieces:
Nicole Cook
510 Van Ave
Mountain Top PA 18707-9103
570.678.3728
570.417.5006 (cell)
Cousin:
Susan Tomko
6327 Catherine St
Harrisburg PA 17112-1817
Eulogy
Sister Mary Nivette Mileniewicz
October 9, 2020
Good morning. We welcome everyone to the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Nivette and express our heartfelt sympathy to her family members and friends who are unable to join us today because of COVID-19 restrictions. On behalf of Sister Marilisa Helena da Silva, Congregational Minister, we thank you for your presence here today as we commend the soul of our dear sister to your prayers.
Sister Nivette, Josephine Geraldine Mileniewicz, was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1927, one of seven children to Frank and Mary Mileniewicz. She was the oldest of twins, her brother Joseph being born 10 minutes later. After the fifth grade in public school, her parents consented to send her to Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary School in Wilkes-Barre that was staffed by the Bernardine Sisters. Sister Nivette often said that the Bernardine Sisters impressed her from the first moment she encountered them. She would go to Church services just to watch the sisters pray. Throughout her elementary and secondary years in school, the spark of a vocation grew stronger and stronger. Before she broke the news to her parents that she wanted to enter the convent, Sister Nivette worked for the Sisters of Charity after school and on Saturdays to save enough money to defray her expenses for entering the convent. She entered the Postulancy in 1946 and after her years of initial formation, she made her final profession in 1953.
After completing formal college studies, Sister Nivette received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Villanova University. She served for 50 years in the field of Elementary Education as teacher and principal in Pennsylvania and California and for 15 years in Pastoral outreach in Plymouth, Pennsylvania during which time she was responsible for visiting a total of 15 combined hospitals and nursing homes.
She had a spirit of joy and a love for life and nurtured vocations. Thanks to the grace of God and her persistence, I am one of her vocations. One of her favorite sayings was “Let go and let God!” Sister Nivette treasured making friends and always kept in contact with a birthday or feast day greeting with cards and small gifts. Sister’s spirit of adventure took her to the Brazilian Immersion Program and to Puerto Rico. She loved telling stories of her adventures there. She had a sweet tooth and was lovingly nicknamed the “Candy Bandit” for always stocking up on Child Jesus’ candy when she visited that fraternity area in the Motherhouse.
Sister was faithful to attending community meetings even up until September 24, 2020 for the House Chapter Meeting down in the Villa. Her voice was weak, but her heart and spirit for the Congregation was strong. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand when there was work to be done. She was often seen helping in the Development Office, staffing the receptionist desk, selling tickets for the Christmas Bazaar or visiting the homebound sisters down in St. Joseph Villa which eventually became her home as her health declined.
On Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at the age of 93 in the 74th year of her covenant with the Lord, Sister Nivette heard God gently call her name. I am certain that our faithful friend went home humming and singing into the waiting arms of her good and loving God.
May you rest in peace!
Written by Sister Rose Jameson
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Labouré
Rose Mary Kuchinski
who entered eternal life
Friday, October 2, 2020 at 9:06 a.m.
in the 73rd year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 89.
Private Mass - Monday, October 5, 2020 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa - Reading, PA
Feastday: November 28
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Labouré’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Joan Felczuk
3321 Pittston Ave
Moosic PA 18507-1711
570.702.9231
Nieces:
Joy Ann Felczuk
570.466.1329
Michelle Kost
101 Elm St
Dalton PA 18414
570.840.7383
570.983.4504 (cell)
Eulogy
Sister Labouré Kuchinski
October 5, 2020
Good morning. Today, our Eucharistic Liturgy will be the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Labouré, Rose Mary Kuchinski. Although we are unable to have friends and family members with us at this time, we remember them in prayer, extending our deepest sympathy to her sister, Joan Felczuk, and her nieces Joy and Michele.
Sister Labouré was the oldest of two daughters born to Mary and Walter Kuchinski. She was born in Moosic, PA and attended St. Mary’s Elementary School where she was educated by the Bernardine Sisters. At an early age, she felt called to enter the congregation. After visiting a friend at Mount Alvernia High School, she decided to continue her high school in Reading and entered the aspirancy. Classes were not easy for her, and before her graduation, she asked to be assigned to domestic work, and so she began her lifetime commitment of service in the dietary departments of our community institutions. These included: Our Lady of Fatima in Elmhurst, PA; Mary Immaculate Hospital in VA; Alvernia College in Reading, PA; Sacred Heart Convent in Reading, PA., and St. Joseph Hospital in Hazleton, PA where she devoted 26 years to this ministry. Sister Labouré retired to St. Joseph Villa in 2010, where she remained until her death in 2020.
While working at the hospital in Hazleton, Sister Labouré expressed a desire to be an assistant to the dietitian. This required further education, and so she completed her high school and was sent to St. Louis University over several summers for management courses through the Catholic Hospital Association, and received a certificate as Food Service Supervisor in 1970.
Sister Labouré was very compassionate and dedicated to her food service ministry. She excelled in customer service, frequently preparing special meals requested by patients or for sisters who missed meals because they were providing patient care. She was loved and respected by the staff with whom she worked, and remained friends with her colleagues in Hazleton for many years.
As a Bernardine, Sister Labouré was known for her remarkable memory, and could entertain us for hours with stories and tales of her ministry years in the congregation. She was known for her animated and often hilarious stories of her childhood and early years in the convent. Her rapt audience often wondered how she managed to work, and eat, and speak without missing a single event in the convent, on the property, the comings and goings of visitors, and still be at her post in the kitchen. She was affectionate and kind, never at a loss for words, simple in her lifestyle, and always concerned about others and their needs before herself.
The joy of her life was her family – her sister Joanie, her nephew and nieces, and was especially fond of her great niece and nephew – twins Jason and Jillian. She loved to show us their photos, and was thrilled when they visited or called on the phone. She was always full of life and adventure, and as we watched her decline at the Villa, although we were sad, she never failed to cheer us on, even as she prepared to leave us.
Sister Labouré never considered herself a star in the academic world, but she was a beautiful gift and treasure to all of her many friends, associates, family, and Bernardine Franciscan Sisters whom she loved so tenderly. May she rejoice now in the heavenly reunion with all the souls and saints who wait to welcome her, enjoying the blessed vision of God for all eternity.
Rest in peace, dearest friend.
Written by Sister Rosemary Stets
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Laetitia
Mary Okoniewski
who entered eternal life
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 8:50 a.m.
in the 78th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 101.
Private Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, September 18, 2020, at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial: Friday, September 18, 2020
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery, Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa - Reading, PA
Feastday: August 27
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister ’s closest surviving family members:
Brother:
Albin Okoniewski
1308 Maryland Ave
Wilmington DE 19805-4734
302.476.5574 (cell)
Sisters:
Sister de Lourdes Okoniewski, OSF
Saint Joseph Villa
464 Saint Bernardine St
Reading PA 19607-1797
610.777.5556
Leona Papagno
PO Box 1216
Elkton, MD 21922-1216
410.398.1317
Eulogy
Sister Laetitia Okoniewski
September 18, 2020
We gather to honor the life of our dear Sister Laetitia, and we also hold in prayer all who loved her and will miss her, especially those who could not be present today.
Sister Laetitia was the second of twelve children of Valentine and Mary Okoniewski. She was born in Chester, PA on August 24, 1919 as the bells of St. Hedwig’s Church were ringing the Angelus. A memory her mother treasured. She was baptized Mary Elizabeth in St Hedwig Church in Chester, PA.
Surviving Sister Laetitia are one brother, Al Okoniewski, and two sisters, Leona Papago and Sister M. de Lourdes Okoniewski.
When Sister Laetitia was very young, her family moved to Wilmington, Delaware where her father, a professional photographer, established his studio. In the Studio, she helped her father who taught her to color photographs with oil paints in the days before color film. She spent many hours at this and took pride in her work.
She played the piano and taught her little sisters to sing. In those days it was anything from “Alexander’s Rag Time Band” to “On the Good Ship, Lollipop.” Her favorite pieces were the “Ripples of the Alabama” and Paderewski’s “Minuet in G”. On Saturday nights she used to buy the “Hit Parade” song sheet and sing every song. She also played the piano for school shows at St. Hedwig’s.
She and her sister Dorothy loved to sing. One Saturday night, her father went to town to buy his special cigars. He passed by the Salvation Army Corps who were singing on the corner, and then he stopped and turned around. Sure enough, his two daughters were singing with them; but not for long. He called them out of line and sent them home!
She belonged to the “Flat Foot Fluggie Club”, a group of teenagers who met regularly in her father’s studio that they used as a dance floor. They even had I.D. cards - a picture of flat feet.
As a youth, she was a very active and unifying factor in the parish sodality of Mary. She knew there had to be more than working at bingos and dances for the church, and so she organized hikes, picnics and fun-at-the-beach days. She was also a steady volunteer at the Red Cross making bandages on Thursday nights.
After Sister Laetitia graduated from St. Paul’s Commercial High School, she worked at the Delaware Trust Company before entering the convent.
Sister Laetitia entered the postulancy in August 1942, bringing her sense of humor and her love for music with her. She proceeded to the novitiate in 1943 followed by temporary vows in 1944. Following her years of initial formation, she professed her perpetual vows on August 12, 1949.
Sister Laetitia pursued the field of education. She received a degree in education from Villanova University; a Master’s degree from Notre Dame University; Theology courses at St Francis College in Joliet, IL; and Administration courses at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Sister Laetitia touched the lives of many through her varied ministries in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington, D.C.
Her ministry in education ranged through the elementary, high school and college level. She also served as Academic Dean and Dean of women at Alvernia College.
In addition to teaching, she was an organist in various parishes.
Her congregational ministries included that of local superior, Director of Initial Formation, Provincial Superior of the Sacred Heart Province, and General Superior of the Bernardine Franciscan Congregation.
In the newly formed Diocese of Metuchen in New Jersey, Sister Laetitia served as its first Delegate for Religious from 1982 to 1996. During her time in Metuchen, she committed herself to successfully increasing communication and dialogue among religious women and men. In 1986, Sister Laetitia received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice [The Church and the Pope] award from Pope John Paul II for her distinguished service to the Church.
While she lived in Metuchen, she also worked with Polish women, helping them to get their green cards and citizenship.
In her later years, in Hyde Park, MA, for a few years she tutored a Polish boy during the day as well as 11 adults from his family in the evening.
There are numerous stories circulating throughout the congregation about Sister Laetitia’s pranks and humorous episodes. One such story that she told me happened when she was living in a convent where they did not have a car or any drivers. Therefore, she asked a parishioner to teach her how to drive. She practiced and got her driver license.
The very next day she borrowed a car and proceeded to Connecticut to pick up the sisters from retreat. She said to her companion, “You pray and I’ll drive.” She started out in the right-hand lane going very slow with cars honking at her to speed up. However, it didn’t take long before she discovered it was much more fun to swerve in and out of traffic driving in the left-hand lane, passing all the cars; that is, until she heard sirens. The officer who pulled her over looked at her license and exclaimed, “Sister! You just got this yesterday! Where are you going in such a hurry?” She explained that she was going to Connecticut to pick up the sisters. He hesitated as if he didn’t know to handle this one, and then replied, “Sister, if you want to go to Connecticut before you go to heaven, then get in the right-hand lane and stay there!” And, she did. She knew that she was lucky not to get a ticket.
Sister Laetitia was known for her jovial spirit, her great sense of humor and her strong commitment to her God, to the Church and to Religious Life.
She was much loved by her family, friends, and her sisters in the congregation. Sister Laetitia’s favorite quote, from Psalm 90, rings true to her life: “Fill me with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy.”
She also stated that she wanted to pass on a word of encouragement to those who are newly retired, which was: “Even Cadillacs break down.” Sister Laetitia, you certainly were in the Cadillac category among us.
God blessed you with a long life of 101 years and He blessed us with your presence for 78 years. Now, as you join your family and friends who have gone home before you, we here on earth can almost hear the joyful welcome: “Well done good and faithful servant!”
We love you, Sister Laetitia, and we will miss you. May you rest in the embrace of our loving God for all eternity. One day, may we all meet again when God calls us home.
Written by Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Therese Ann
Anna Theresa Rygiel
who entered eternal life
Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 4:55 a.m.
in the 71st year of
her covenant with the Lord
at
age 87.
Private Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial: Tuesday, September 1, 2020
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery - Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
Manor Care – Sinking Spring, PA
Feastday: October 15
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Therese Ann’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Barbara Rygiel
6800 Park St S Apt. 311
South Pasadena FL 33707-2135
727.343.0250
Niece:
Regina Stawski
Elsecar, ENGLAND
44.115.941.0215
Eulogy
Sister Therese Ann Rygiel
September 1, 2020
Anna Therese Rygiel, daughter of Nicholas and Maria (Rudzik) Rygiel, was born into an upper middle class family on August 3, 1933 in Paszowa, Pw. Lasko, Poland. She was the youngest of seven children in the Rygiel family. She had two brothers, four sisters and they were a very close family where their religious faith was a priority. Her father often traveled on business to the United States. Survivors include one sister, Barbara Rygiel, who resides in Florida and a niece who lives in England.
During World War II, Sister Therese Ann’s family suffered numerous hardships after the Soviet Union invaded Poland. The Russian government took her family’s property and deported the family to Siberia where conditions were very difficult. The family was scattered. Her older sister went to England and her older brothers went as well to join the Polish volunteers gathered there. Sister Therese Ann never heard from her brothers again. Her parents died in Siberia from the harsh treatment.
At one point, the Russians gave a reprieve and allowed children to be sent under British protection to India and the Middle East. Sister Therese and her sisters traveled to India as war orphans. In India, Sister experienced severe health issues that left her sight and hearing impaired.
In 1947, the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters sponsored 50 of the exiled Polish girls to come to their Motherhouse in the United States. Sister Therese Ann and her sister, Barbara, were among them.
After arriving in the United States, Sister Therese Ann was in the Aspirancy of the Bernardine Sisters for a several years and then proceeded to the Postulancy, the Novitiate in 1950, and pronounced her perpetual vows on August 12, 1956.
Initially, Sister had the religious name of Sister Savine, which she later changed to Sister Therese Ann.
As a Bernardine Franciscan, Sister Therese Ann pursued the field of education. She was well educated, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Madonna College in Livonia, Michigan and a Master’s degree from Catholic University of America and another Master’s degree from St. Mary’s College of California. She had a quest for knowledge and attended numerous conferences and courses --- always the learner and generous in sharing her knowledge.
She served in her ministry of education as an elementary and secondary teacher, principal, art educator, superior, mission effectiveness coordinator, and tutor. She ministered in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Michigan, California, Texas, South Dakota, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Poland.
With the fall of Communism, and at the American Bishops’ request, the congregation sent Sister Therese Ann to assist a congregation in Poland. Sister worked vigorously to assist the religious congregation to understand some of the legal and financial realities of post-Communism. She provided assistance in obtaining grants for the Polish congregation’s school and other educational projects. While in Poland, Sister strengthened the bonds of our United States Congregation with our cloistered Bernardine Franciscan Sisters.
Sister Therese Ann was a creative teacher and a talented artist. She taught Art in several schools and tried to instill a love for the arts in her students. When she taught in California, one of the creative projects in which she engaged her eighth grade class was to design and paint over a graffitied wall surrounding the school. It was so beautifully done that no one marred the wall again.
Her creativity was a gift she possessed. During a school candy fundraiser, she had her class put on a play for the students and parents to encourage them to support the school by purchasing the chocolate bars. It resulted the chocolate company offering to hire Sister Therese Ann for her creative endeavors.
When Sister Therese Ann retired from teaching, she volunteered to tutor. Included in the many students she tutored were autistic children in Religious Education, a 9-year-old boy who had a brain tumor, and many others.
Sister Therese Ann was a faithful religious woman. She was practical, dependable, organized and a master of hospitality with a sense of humor. There were times when Sister was judged on her exteriors, but those who knew her well appreciated her commitment to truth and integrity, her unwillingness to compromise, her insight, and her sincerity. One of her most admirable qualities was her deep compassion for those in need.
Now it is time to say good- bye, dear faithful Sister Therese Ann. Indeed our hearts are overwhelmed with admiration for your determination and resilience in the face of so many hardships that you endured in your young life. Rest now in the heart of God’s love and may your reunion with your family break through the sound barrier with laughter, dancing and singing. Our lives are blessed because you were a Sister among us.
Written by Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Regina Mary
Loisanne Marie Rusak
who entered eternal life
Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 4:00 a.m.
in the 59th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 87.
Private Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, August 24, 2020 at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial: Monday, August 24, 2020
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery - Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: May 31
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Regina Mary’s closest surviving family members:
Sister:
Rosemary Brown
6 Browncrest Dr
West Wyoming PA 18644-1212
570.693.3848
Eulogy
Sister Regina Mary Rusak
August 24, 2020
Good morning. Today, our Eucharistic Liturgy will be the Mass of Christian Burial for our dear Sister Regina Mary Rusak. Although we are unable to have friends and family members with us at this time, we remember them in prayer, extending our deepest sympathy to her only remaining living sister, Rosemary Brown.
Sister Regina Mary, Loisanne Rusak, was one of 10 children, born in Plains, PA in 1932 into the loving family of John and Bertha Ann Rusak, and was baptized in the Church of SS. Peter and Paul. After graduating from Sacred Heart High School in Plains, she earned a B.A. in Secretarial Science with a minor in Spanish from College Misericordia in Wilkes-Barre, PA in 1953. She taught business classes in Glen Burnie, NJ before entering the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1961 at the age of 29.
Regina Mary served as a treasurer for Alvernia College for one year, but her primary ministry assignments were teaching business education in LaReine High School in Suitland, MD; Marymount High School, Wilkes-Barre, PA; and Divine Child High School in Dearborn, MI. During these years, Regina continued to earn Education Units from the University of Detroit, Marywood College Graduate School in Scranton, the University of Maryland and Boston University. She was an excellent teacher and thorough business manager, very conscientious and exact in fulfilling her assignments. In 2009 Sister Regina Mary was transferred to St. Joseph Villa where she continued in active ministry as a member of the Villa support staff, offering her time and skills to the administrator and Local Minister.
Regina Mary loved her name as she loved Mary, the Queen of heaven, and her peaceful and gentle personality gave witness to her devotion to the Mother of God. She was generous and kind, a quiet and unassuming soul, and her friends tell us that she preferred the shadows to the limelight. She possessed a giving heart; whenever help was needed, she was there and willing to lend a hand. Although short in stature, her spirit was tall, and her love for God, her religious vocation, and her sisters in community were the anchors of her life. She was not one to be immediately noticed, but later recognized by virtues and fruits discovered in retrospect.
On a personal note, Sister Regina Mary and I were Novices together, and so I feel a special connection in sharing her congregational history. It was a time when vocations were abundant, and our class of 50 novices was a diverse and motley group, to say the least. I remember her as a “mature woman of the world” – while I was a member of the “younger pack.” But I vividly recall that she had a quality of balance that we deeply respected. She was wise and tolerant, unassuming and considerate, a good sport with a sense of humor, and a deep spirit of humility.
As we often do, I reached out to someone who lived with her for 38 years in Divine Child parish, Dearborn, Michigan for some thoughts. This is the tribute she shared:
Rosemary, I'm having a hard time finding the right words to describe the beauty of Regina's soul. She was comfortable in the background; she did not seek to be noticed. She identified with the donkey and the lambs within the Christmas scene; to her they were blessed accidentals at the Nativity. In her eyes that holy event changed their lives. Her work (teaching, secretary, bookkeeper) was exacting, yet she often said to me (if there was an error), "It's the Amish principle, only God is perfect." She loved to be at (in) prayer--alone with God. Many notebooks were filled with her spiritual musings. How she loved her birth date! November 21, The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lady. How beautiful that she died on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady! From joy to glory!
Written by Sister Rosemary Stets
Congregational Councilor
+
In love and compassion
we commend to God our dear
Sister Anna Suszek
Hedwig Suszek
who entered eternal life
Tuesday, July 21, 2020 at 7:53 a.m.
in the 76th year of
her covenant with the Lord
at age 95.
Private Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, July 24, 2020, at 7:15 a.m.
St. Joseph Villa Chapel, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Private Burial: Friday, July 24, 2020
Bernardine Sisters Cemetery - Mount Alvernia, Reading, PA
[restrictions in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic]
Place of Death
St. Joseph Villa
Reading, PA
Feastday: July 26
Communion with all our sisters reaches beyond this life;
we remember and continue to pray for them after their deaths.
In particular, we remember the anniversary of their entrance into eternal life.
We also rely on their prayerful intercession for us before God.
(BFS Dir #33)
Expressions of Fraternal Sympathy may be extended to
Sister Anna Suszek’s closest surviving family members:
Nephews:
Thomas Zaykoski
1042 S Lincoln Ave
Nanticoke PA 18634-3422
570.735.4850
Anthony Zaykoski
1218 Beaver Lake Blvd
Plattsmouth NE 68048-6708
402.235.3560
Eulogy
Sister Anna Suszek
July 24, 2020
Good morning, Sisters.
This morning at St Joseph Villa, the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for our dear Sister Anna Suszek. We too, here at the Motherhouse, remember her in prayer and celebrate her entrance into eternal life.
Hedwig Suszek, daughter of the late William and Anna (Salinska) Suszek, was born on August 27, 1924 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania. She was one of four children. She had one brother and two sisters all of whom have preceded her in death.
Sister Anna attended the Bernardine Sisters’ Aspirancy, then proceeded to enter the Postulancy in 1943 and became a Novice in 1944. Following her years of initial formation, she professed her perpetual vows on August 12, 1950.
Sister Anna pursued the field of education, earning degrees from Villanova University and from Cardinal Stritch College.
She touched the lives of many through her varied ministries of Teacher, Principal, Local Minister, and Pastoral Coordinator. Sister Anna served the people of God in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas,
Many admired her effectiveness as a school principal, her ability to recognize the talents of others and to wisely delegate. We recall her love for children and her soft heart for those in need.
For the first 32 years of Sister Anna’s years of religious life, she was known as Sister Roger. For the latter 44 years, her name became Sister Anna, the namesake of her mother.
Sisters, our hearts are saddened when a loved one dies, whether it is a family member, a friend or one of our sisters. Even more so during this time of the coronavirus pandemic, the uncertainties in our world and in our lives. Like many others in our hurting world, we are sometimes unable to visit loved ones or physically be with them during their time of illness or the dying process.
When Sister Anna, or any one of our sisters, was or will be approaching the end of her earthly life during this time of social distancing and sheltering, we were not nor will we be able to sit by her bed and pray with her, to thank her, to hold her hand and tell her we love her, to hug her, or to say Goodbye. Many times, we do not have the closure of being at her wake or funeral. This is our present day reality. You, like many of our brothers and sisters in the larger fraternity of the world, may have experienced this loss even from different circumstances than this time of Covid-19.
Yes, we take comfort in knowing that our loved ones are in a better place, and we know that Sister Anna is in a better place. Yet, our hearts feel the loss with the awareness that, in this life, we will not see her again.
So, what is it that we hold on to at a time such as this? Is it not the reflection of God’s love shown though Sister Anna’s life? How she has touched our life, the memories we hold, and the lessons that her life has taught us?
Some of the memories of Sister Anna that flood our mind and heart are: her kindness, her inclusiveness, her welcoming smile, her contagious laugh and her great sense of humor, even when she was losing at a card game.
We recall Sister Anna’s commitment to religious life, her value of prayer, and even her unique little phrases spoken during spontaneous prayer, such as “while we have your attention, Lord, ….“
Those of us who lived with Sister Anna—and many of you have—remember her desire to provide relaxation and recreation for those in her charge, for she loved a good time.
I shared life with Sister Anna when I was a young sister, and she modeled for me what fraternal life could be. I learned from her that relationships are key and that people are more important than accomplishments.
These are the memories we hold in our hearts and they are now part of us. We are better people because of having known and shared life with Sister Anna.
We thank God for the life of Sister Anna and know that she is now smiling in heaven and is dancing without her cane into the loving arms of God whom she so faithfully served.
Written by Sister Madonna Marie Harvath
Congregational Councilor
(BFS Dir #33)
(BFS Dir #33)
Eulogy
Sister Maria dos Rêis Gama
May 23, 2020
Sr. Maria dos Reis - was born in Itapipoca, Ceará, on January 12, 1944. She was the daughter of Mr. José Ferreira Gama and Mrs. Maria Soares Brandão. She joined the Congregation of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, in the Northeast Regional – Fortaleza, Ceará, on September 26, 1975, as an Aspirant. She was admitted to the Postulancy on March 19, 1976. On August 11, 1977 he entered the Novitiate and made her first vows on August 11, 1979. In 1984 she professed her perpetual vows.
Sister Maria dos Reis was a humble and fraternal Sister along the lines of Francis of Assisi. She was always ready to help whoever needed. She was missioned twice in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, where she was fine missionary. There she was known only by the name of Sr. Maria. The people with whom she ministered have never forgotten her. In 2008, she was transferred to the Fraternity of Our Lady of Mercy, in Itapipoca, Ceará, where she received the necessary treatments as she declined in health. Sister entered Eternal Life on May 23, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. at the Cardiology Hospital, in Fortaleza, Ceará. Due to the coronavirus pandemic the body was not present and there was no wake service.
May Sister Maria dos Reis rest in the bosom of her Good and Gracious God and intercede for us
in the heavenly Kingdom.
An International Congregation of Women Religious