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SISTER MARY CARLA RADERMACHER, SC, (formerly Sister Mary Carl) age 93, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on January 3, 2012. A Pittsburgh native, Sister Mary Carla entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1946, from Assumption Parish, Bellevue, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruno J. and Teresa Marie (Chartener) Radermacher a brother Charles J., two sisters, Sister Judith Radermacher, OSF, Mrs. Margaret (Michael J.) Monahan and a maternal aunt, Sister Marie Cecily Chartener, SC. She is survived by nieces and cousins, Sister Patricia Best, SC, Mary Lou Best and Robert Best. Sister Mary Carla earned a bachelor’s degree in education, English from Seton Hill University. Her ministry as a secretary began in 1950, when she was assigned to duties related to the registrar’s office at Seton Hill University. In 1954, she was the supervisor of the sisters’ clothing distribution center, a position she held until 1969, when she was named a member of the staff at Assumption Hall, the former infirmary and retirement home for the sisters. Sister Mary Carla served as a secretary at Seton Hill University from 1974 until 1975, and then began an eight-year tenure at Bishop Canevin High School as office secretary. From 1983 until 1986, she ministered in the office at Cathedral School, Greensburg. From 1986 until her retirement in 1992, Sister Mary Carla worked as secretary for the Alumni Office at Seton-La Salle High School. In December 1999, Sister Mary Carla, an accomplished seamstress, designed and sewed the clothing for the Saint Joseph statue in the nativity scene displayed at the base of the USX Tower in Pittsburgh. In reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Mary Carla stated that her favorite words from Scripture were, “It was not you who chose Me, it was I who chose you and know that I am with you until the end of time.”

Sister Barbara Mary Koval

SISTER BARBARA MARY KOVAL SC, age 80, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on January 20, 2012. Born in Scottdale, PA Sister Barbara Mary entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1954, from Saint John the Baptist Parish in Scottdale. Preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Kathryn (Papier) Koval, a brother Richard J., and a sister, Mrs. Kathleen (William) Byble, she is survived by a sister, Mrs. Evelyn (Richard) Farris and nieces and nephews. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Duquesne University and a master’s degree in Business Education from the University of Pittsburgh. Sister Barbara Mary taught students of the secondary level in the dioceses of Greensburg, Phoenix and Pittsburgh. From 1971 until 1974, she was the administrator at Assumption Hall, the former infirmary and retirement home of the sisters. She taught at Greensburg Central Catholic High School from 1974 until 1985, when she began a long tenure, 1985-2000, at Geibel High School. Sister Barbara Mary also taught in the Department of Education at Seton Hill University during the summer session of 1962. After she retired from the classroom, Sister Barbara Mary was appointed the director of insurance programs for the congregation. In reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Barbara Mary stated, “I sum up my religious life with one word, gratitude . . . gratitude to God for my vocation and avocation, to my mentors for their help and encouragement and to my family for their spiritual and emotional caring throughout the years.”

Sister Francis de Sales Joyce

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SISTER FRANCIS DE SALES JOYCE SC, age 92, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on January 22, 2012. A Pittsburgh native, Sister Francis de Sales entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1938, from Saint Philip Parish, Crafton. She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick J. and Cecilia (Flaherty) Joyce, three sisters, Mrs. Patricia (Paul W.) Cline, Mrs. Joan (William) Vey, and Mrs. Nora (Charles E.) Booth and she is survived by one sister, Mrs. Suzanne (Raymond C.) Thornton, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English, social studies, and German from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in reading from the University of Pittsburgh. She did postgraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, Catholic University of America, the University of Pennsylvania and Boston College. Sister Francis de Sales was a teacher of primary level students in the elementary schools of Greensburg and Pittsburgh dioceses. From 1959 until 1962, she was principal of the former Saint Thomas Aquinas School in California, PA and from 1962 until 1967, she was the principal of Cathedral School (Aquinas Academy) in Greensburg, PA. From 1967 until 1976, she served as the school supervisor and assistant superintendent of schools in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown. In 1976-1978, she was a member of the faculty in the department of education at Seton Hill University. She also taught Elementary Education in the Seton Hill University summer sessions from 1956-1963 and in 1970. From 1977 until 1987, she ministered as a diocesan consultant and associate director for elementary education in the Diocese of Greensburg. In 1987, Sister Francis de Sales became the coordinator of the office for evangelization in the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston where she served until 1993. The author of several articles, in 1993, she was appointed the coordinator and editor for the Sisters of Charity history project which culminated in the 2005 publication of the History of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill from 1945-2002. Sister Francis de Sales was active in the charismatic renewal program of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown from 1973-1975. In December 2009, Sister Francis de Sales published the Life of Mother Aloysia Lowe, Foundress of the Seton Hill Sisters of Charity. In reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Francis de Sales said, “Life is a journey-sometimes with others, often alone. Through peaks and valleys, joys and sorrows, one constant is God--always beside me, understanding my silence, as well as my joys.”

2011

Sister Mary Francis Irvin

SISTER MARY FRANCIS IRVIN, SC, age 96, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on January 8, 2011. A Pittsburgh native, Sister Mary Francis entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1933, from Saint James Parish, Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis C. and Marie C.(Flinn) Irvin, a sister, Mrs. Ann Marie (Richard P.) Jenkins, and a half-brother, David Hume, two maternal aunts, Mother M. Ignatia Flinn, SC and Sister Antoinette Flinn, SC. She is survived by a sister, Mrs. Gertrude (Maurice) Glick and nieces and nephews. She earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting, design from Carnegie Mellon University and a master’s degree in fine arts in painting from Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield, Michigan. Prior to her appointment at Seton Hill University, Sister Mary Francis taught at Saint Anselm school in Swissvale. She then co-founded the art department at Seton Hill College with Sister Mary Estelle Hensler and she taught art at the university from 1945 until 1977. She was appointed director of development for Seton Hill University in 1971 and led the capital campaign for the University. Sister Mary Francis designed the Coat of Arms for the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in 1950 and, in 1977, she designed the emblem and ring currently worn by the sisters as a sign of their identity and fidelity. Sister Mary Francis was a member of the Board of Trustees at Seton Hill College for 12 years. She assisted in the establishment and organization of Doran Hall as a Retreat and Renewal Center. She was a founder of the charismatic movement in the Diocese of Greensburg and for thirty-five years led the Family of God Prayer Group. She also served on the Greensburg Diocesan Liturgy Committee. Sister Mary Francis was a member of the ecumenical Pittsburgh Offensive group from 1982-1986. Many of her paintings adorn the hallways and rooms at Doran Hall, Ennis Hall and Caritas Christi. She designed chapel appointments, including a crucifix, chalice, paten, monstrance and candlesticks. A hallmark of her achievement was in the design of the 110 original stained-glass panels placed in the Assumption Hall chapel and later transferred to the chapel windows at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity. In October 2004, an Art Retrospective was held to honor the 90^th birthday of Sister Mary Francis. In reflecting on her life as Sister of Charity and artist, Sister Mary Francis once stated, "An artist is not a special person. Every person is a special kind of artist and I believe that our entire congregation consists of sisters who are special kinds of artists."

Sister Francis Regis McDonough

SISTER FRANCIS REGIS Mc DONOUGH, SC, age 86, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on February 26, 2011. A Pittsburgh native, Sister Francis Regis entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1944, from Saint Anselm Parish, Swissvale. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin J. and Cecilia (Foley) McDonough; three brothers, Martin, John and Regis McDonough; three sisters; Mary McDonough, Margaret Davis Tassone and Cecilia Barry. She is survived by a brother, Leo (Margaret) and a sister, Mrs. Dorothy (Edward) Kaczynski, nieces and nephews and cousins. Sister Francis Regis earned a bachelors degree in education from Seton Hill University and taught students in primary, intermediate and middle grades in schools of the Greensburg and Pittsburgh dioceses and the Archdioceses of Baltimore and Washington. She ministered as a co-manager of Beechview Manor, a residence for senior citizens, from 1993 until 1995. From 1995 until her retirement in 2006, she ministered in the library at Saint James School in Wilkinsburg, an AExtra Mile@ school, for inner-city children, supported and subsidized by the Diocese of Pittsburgh and private funds. At the time of her 60^th anniversary as a Sister of Charity, Sister Francis Regis reflected, AServing God as a Sister of Charity has been both joy-filled and challenging. I am grateful to God for all the years I have been able to do His work.

Sister Catherine Laboure McCann

SISTER CATHERINE LABOURÉ MC CANN, SC, age 94, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on February 22, 2011. A native of Pittsburgh, Sister Catherine Labouré entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1934, from Saint Stephen Parish, Hazelwood, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Martin J. and Winifred (Wright) McCann; brothers, Joseph T. and Martin F.; three sisters, Mrs. Catherine (Joseph) Yadrick, Mrs. Winifred (James) Redmond and a twin sister, Mrs. Frances (John) Horner and niece, Sister La Salette Hays, S.C. She is survived by nieces and nephews. Sister Catherine Labouré graduated from the Pittsburgh Hospital School of Nursing in 1939 and earned a bachelor of science degree (teaching-supervision OR) from Duquesne University. She was a certified registered nurse anesthetist who ministered at the former Pittsburgh Hospital from 1943 through 1977, and continued her nursing ministry at Pittsburgh Health Center until her retirement in 1983. She then volunteered her services in the Medical Records and Pharmacy Departments of Forbes Gerontology Center where she was the Director of Diagnostic Services. Generous and hard-working, Sister Catherine Labouré made an impression on those who came under her care. A former patient remarked, "When I looked up and saw that red-headed sister and she said I was doing well, I just relaxed and thanked God she was there." When questioned about her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Catherine Labouré responded, "Do I have regrets? No. Has it always been easy? No. Would I do it again? Yes! I loved everything about it."

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Sister Sara Louise Reilly Verses

Sister Rose Cecilia Simeone

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SISTER ROSE CECILIA SIMEONE, SC, age 88, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on February 25, 2011. A Pittsburgh native, Sister Rose Cecilia entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1940, from Saint John the Baptist Parish, Pittsburgh. She was preceded in death by parents, Louis (Luigi) and Marie Antonia (Pampena) Simeone, five brothers: Ralph, Joseph, Alfred, Albert and Norman Simeone, one sister, Mrs. Margaret (Anthony) Borrelli and she is survived by nieces and nephews. She earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University. She furthered her education at Northwestern University and Clarke School for the Deaf. Sister Rose Cecilia’s longest tenure as a teacher (1943-1976) was at DePaul School for Hearing and Speech, where she taught students on the intermediate level. She also taught at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Scottsdale, AZ and Immaculate Conception School, Irwin. In 1984, Sister Rose Cecilia was named to the staff at the former Doran Hall Retreat and Renewal Center in Greensburg where she served until 1988, when she was assigned to pastoral ministry at Saint Columbkille Parish, Imperial, PA. She retired to Caritas Christi in 2000, where she continued to volunteer her services. Gracious and kind, Sister Rose Cecilia followed the axiom of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, “Let all be in the order of His Providence, neither asking nor refusing.”

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Sister Sara Louise Reilly

SISTER SARA LOUISE REILLY, SC, age 95, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on April 15, 2011. A Pittsburgh native, Sister Sara Louise, entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1933, from Holy Innocents Parish, Sheraden, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Michael J. and Sarah (Caulfield) Reilly, two brothers, Patrick M. and John J. four sisters: Sister Ann Michaele, SC, Sara A. Reilly, Mrs. Mary (John A.) Fossee and Mrs. Martina (James F.) Carroll and she is survived by nieces and nephews. Sister Sara Louise earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in physiology from the University of Rochester, NY. Sister Sara Louise taught in elementary schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh from 1934 until 1939, when she was assigned to Saint Joseph Academy at Seton Hill where she taught from 1939 until 1942. She was then assigned to teach in secondary schools in the dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown and Pittsburgh where she ministered from 1942 until 1945. From 1945 until 1962, Sister Sara Louise taught sciences during the academic year at Seton Hill University and from 1962 until 1969, she ministered, alternately, as assistant registrar, and as the director of continuing education and director of the summer sessions at the university. In 1969, she was elected a general councilor of the Sisters of Charity and served in that capacity until 1977. In 1978, Sister Sara Louise was appointed assistant archivist for the Sisters of Charity and was named archivist in 1981, a position she held until 1995, when she continued to volunteer her services as a consultant to the archivist. From the 1940s until 1977, Sister Sara Louise taught catechism to children in parishes within the Diocese of Greensburg, notably Avonmore, Crabtree, Export, Herminie, Jeannette and Greensburg. Sister Sara Louise was elected to General Chapters of the Sisters of Charity from 1963 until 1999. She was a former member of numerous boards including Seton Hill University Board of Trustees, Seton Hill Alumnae Association, the former Jeannette District Memorial Hospital, Society of American Archivists and Mid-Atlantic Region Archivists Conference. Brilliant, dedicated, generous and gifted, Sister Sara Louise believed and lived the words of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, “Let your chief study be to acquaint yourself with God, because there is nothing greater than God, and because it is the only knowledge that can fill the heart with a peace and joy that nothing can disturb.”

Sister Mary Timothy Adams

SISTER MARY TIMOTHY ADAMS, SC, age 96, who died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. A native of Altoona, Pennsylvania, Sister Mary Timothy entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1932, from Saint Michael Parish, Hollidaysburg, PA. Preceded in death by her parents,Timothy and Rose (Degenhardt)Adams, three brothers: Timothy, Paul, John, Bernard and four sisters: Mrs. Mary (James) Gumma and Mrs Julia (William) Holtzworth, Mrs. Teresa (James) Egan and Martha Adams, two paternal aunts, Sisters M. Juliana, SC and Maria Bernard Trexler, SC, she is survived by three brothers: William, Patrick, Joseph, nieces and nephews. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Duquesne University and was a school administrator and teacher in schools of the Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Tucson dioceses in addition to the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Sister Mary Timothy also taught religion to children of the Papago Indian Tribe at Saint Catherine Parish in Tucson, Arizona. From1963 until 1964, Sister Mary Timothy was assigned to direct the postulants of the congregation. As a member of a large, loving family, Sister Mary Timothy learned early the meaning of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s adage, “Patience and perseverance are the only ways to gain the blessings of heaven” and she practiced these virtues during her long life as a Sister of Charity.”

Sister Mary Antonia Ward

SISTER MARY ANTONIA WARD, SC, age 95, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on May 21, 2011. A native of Elwood, Indiana, Sister Mary Antonia entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity from Saint Joseph Parish, Elwood, Indiana onJuly 1, 1952. She was preceded in death by parents, Michael J. and Theresa (Rooney) Ward, three brothers: James M., Thomas J., Edward W. and two sisters: Margaret Ward and Mrs. Anna (J. L.) Williams and she is survived by nieces and nephews. Sister Mary Antonia taught in schools of the Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Tucson dioceses and in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Later, Sister Mary Antonia began home visiting the frail and elderly parishioners of Holy Innocents Parish in Sheraden until 1994, when failing health forced her to retire. Always gracious and serene, Sister Mary Antonia, along with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, believed, “The affliction of this life is but a moment, while the glory in the life to come will be eternal.” SISTER MARY ANTONIA WARD, SC, age 95, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on May 21, 2011. A native of Elwood, Indiana, Sister Mary Antonia entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity from Saint Joseph Parish, Elwood, Indiana onJuly 1, 1952. She was preceded in death by parents, Michael J. and Theresa (Rooney) Ward, three brothers: James M., Thomas J., Edward W. and two sisters: Margaret Ward and Mrs. Anna (J. L.) Williams and she is survived by nieces and nephews. Sister Mary Antonia taught in schools of the Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Tucson dioceses and in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Later, Sister Mary Antonia began home visiting the frail and elderly parishioners of Holy Innocents Parish in Sheraden until 1994, when failing health forced her to retire. Always gracious and serene, Sister Mary Antonia, along with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, believed, “The affliction of this life is but a moment, while the glory in the life to come will be eternal.”

Sister Virginia Marie Waudby

SISTER VIRGINIA MARIE WAUDBY, SC, age 90, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on June 2, 2011. Born in Pittsburgh, Sister Virginia Marie entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1939, from Saint John the Baptist Parish, Pittsburgh. She was preceded in death by her parents, Horace E. and Margaret Julia Sullivan Waudby; a brother, Harry E. (Margie) and sisters, Ruth (Louis J) Smith and Dorothy (Victor) Maier. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Sister Virginia Marie earned a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from Duquesne University and a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from Carlow University. She was a registered pharmacist and registered medical technologist, licensed in the state of Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Sister Virginia Marie was a laboratory and pharmacology instructor at Pittsburgh and Providence Hospital Schools of Nursing. She ministered at Roselia Foundling and Pittsburgh and Providence Hospitals and at Columbia Health Center in Pittsburgh and at the National Veterans’ Administration Hospital in Washington, D.C. On July 11, 1995, Sister Virginia Marie was presented a service award from the Department of Veterans Affairs in appreciation of her fifteen years of dedicated service to the United States Government. Sister Virginia Marie was one of the original group of Sisters of Charity at Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. Dedicated, enthusiastic, gracious and helpful in her ministry, Sister Virginia Marie’s demeanor reflected the teaching of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, “Through piety and gratitude we come to the deepest recess of peace and true contentment.”

Sister M. Camillus Erb

SISTER M. CAMILLUS ERB, SC, age 89, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on June 16, 2011. Born in Pittsburgh, Sister Camillus entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on March 25, 1948, from Saint Luke Parish, Carnegie after an honorable discharge from the United States Naval Reserve where she served for two years in the Nursing Corps. She was preceded in death by her parents, William J. and Philomena (Leech) Erb and two brothers William and Leo. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Joy Erb, nieces and nephews. She earned a diploma in nursing, as a registered nurse, from Pittsburgh Hospital, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Duquesne University and a master’s degree in nursing education from the University of Pittsburgh. Sister Camillus ministered at the Pittsburgh Hospital from 1950-1952 and from 1957 until 1968, alternately, as ward supervisor, obstetrics supervisor, medical and surgical supervisor and pediatric supervisor and clinical instructor. She was assigned to Providence Hospital, 1952-1957, where she ministered as obstetrics supervisor and surgical supervisor. Sister M. Camillus began a long tenure, 1968-1987 at the former Jeannette District Memorial Hospital. When she retired from nursing duty, she volunteered her services, 1989-2004, at the used bookstore at the Catholic University of America. Dedicated and hardworking, Sister M. Camillus believed, along with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, “There can be no disappointment where the soul’s only desire and expectation is to meet His adored will and to fulfill it.”

Sister Mary Paulus Tittler

SISTER MARY PAULUS TITTLER, SC, age 84, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on July 28, 2011. A native of Altoona, PA, Sister Mary Paulus entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1945, from Saint Leo Parish, Altoona. She was preceded in death by parents, Paul C. and Elsie (Coons) Tittler, a brother, John P. and four sisters: Mrs. Sara (John) McCloskey, Mrs. Mary (James E.) Kells, Mrs. Rose (Donald) Shuman and Mrs. Jane (William) Clowers. She is survived by two brothers, Reverend Leo Tittler and Robert (Judy) Tyler and a sister, Sister Patricia Tittler, CSJ, sister-in-law Betty Tittler and numerous nieces and nephews. Sister Mary Paulus earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hill University and taught children of the primary level in schools of the Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and Tucson dioceses. From 1976 until 1990, Sister Mary Paulus was a staff member at Assumption Hall, the former infirmary and retirement home for the Sisters of Charity. From 1991 until 1996, she was a member of the post office staff at Seton Hill University. From 1996 until 2002, she volunteered her services at Caritas Christi while assisting at the site of the Grotto of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Seton Hill University. Outgoing and generous, Sister Mary Paulus embodied the spirit and words of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, “The affliction of this life is but a moment, while the glory in the life to come will be eternal.”

Sister Mildred Corvi

SISTER MILDRED CORVI, SC (formerly Sister Alice Louise), age 91, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on September 3, 2011. A native of New York, Sister Mildred entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on January 1, 1943, from Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish, Woodhaven, New York. Preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence C. and Louise P.(Frees) Corvi, two sisters, Sister Louise Corvi, DW and Mrs. Evelyn (William) Kelliher, she is survived by a sister, Mrs. Eileen (Charles) Lacijan and nieces and nephews. She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in clothing, textiles from Columbia University. Sister Mildred began her ministry as a teacher of elementary school students in the dioceses of Greensburg and Pittsburgh. In 1951, she was assigned to Seton Hill University to begin teaching home economics, specializing in clothing, textiles, fashion and retailing for a tenure of more than 40 years. For many of those years, Sister Mildred was chair of the department and also taught during the university summer sessions. Retired in 1999, Sister Mildred continued to use the skills she developed and, in addition to sewing her own clothing, she helped other sisters who needed assistance with sewing and mending. Of her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Mildred said, “This has been the vocation for me. I knew it from the beginning. I have had a happy community life with the good Sisters of Charity, a stimulating and satisfying religious life and a good professional life.”

2010

SISTER MARY CLIFFORD SOISSON, SC

SISTER MARY CLIFFORD SOISSON, SC, age 89, who died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on February 2, 2010. A Pittsburgh native, Sister Mary Clifford entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1939, from Assumption Parish in Bellevue. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert J. and S.Marie (Creese) Soisson, three brothers, A. Howard and Reverend F. Clifford,Richard Soisson and two sisters, Mrs. Jean (Donald) Beatty and Mrs. Ann Mae (Jack) Dickason. She is survived by a sister, Sister Miriam Richard Soisson, SC and numerous nieces and nephews. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology,history from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in religious education from Mundelein College, Chicago. A teacher and administrator, Sister Mary Clifford taught students of the intermediate and junior high school level in diocesan schools of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, and Pittsburgh. She was principal at Saint John Evangelist School, Pittsburgh and Saint Therese School, Munhall. From 1968 until 1971, Sister Mary Clifford ministered in a flexible new apostolate of adult education known as the Adult Institute in the Diocese of Greensburg under the direction of the late Bishop William G. Connare. The goal of this program was, primarily, to update adults to the movement of the Church after Vatican Council II and involved no elementary or secondary school classes. Sister Mary Clifford served as a pastoral minister at Sacred Heart Parish in Glyndon, MD, and ministered as a coordinator of religious education at Resurrection Parish, Brookline, Saint Valentine Parish, Bethel Park, Saint Theresa Parish, Phoenix, AZ, and Saint John Evangelist Parish in Tucson, AZ. She was named a co-manager of Maryhouse in Brookline, a residence for low income, independent women from 1992-1993. After her retirement from the active apostolate, Sister Mary Clifford volunteered her service as a nurse’s aide at Caritas Christi. While reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Mary Clifford said, “I am grateful to my parents for their love and faith, which has been a great influence in my life, and thankful to God for the gift of vocation to the Seton Hill Sisters of Charity.

SISTER CORA MARIE DAVIN, SC

SISTER CORA MARIE DAVIN, SC, age 85, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on February 27, 2010. Sister Cora Marie Davin, SC, age 85, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on February 27, 2010. Born in Pittsburgh, Sister Cora Marie entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on January 1, 1945, from Saint Peter Parish, North Side, Pittsburgh. Preceded in death by her parents, John P. and Mary Elizabeth (Frawley) Davin and a brother William R. Davin, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Jean Davin, five nieces and a nephew. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history, English from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in English from Duquesne University. Later, Sister Cora Marie took classes in gerontology at the universities of Pittsburgh, Ohio State, and Syracuse. Sister Cora Marie taught elementary school students in the dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, and Pittsburgh. She also taught at Elizabeth Seton, Canevin, and Monongahela Valley high schools. After years of teaching, in the mid-70s, Sister Cora Marie began working with the City of Pittsburgh senior citizen centers. She was an assistant director and recreation leader at centers in Hazelwood, Beechview, Oakland, Lawrenceville and the West End. She later ministered in housing, becoming director of the East Brady Heights Housing Unit, Clarion County; Ridgeview Apartments, Mount Pleasant and the Honus Wagner Plaza in Carnegie. As physical disabilities developed and prevented her from active ministry, Sister Cora Marie moved to Caritas Christi and continued to volunteer her services at the gift shop and at the reception desk. Her ready smile and cheerful manner will be missed as she leaves us to join the Company of Charity in a heavenly homeland.

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SISTER M. GERMAINE HELWIG, SC

SISTER M. GERMAINE HELWIG, SC, age 94, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on March 4, 2010. Born in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, Sister M. Germaine entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1933, from Saint John the Baptist Parish, in Scottdale. Preceded in death by her parents, August H. and Germaine (Laurent) Helwig, four brothers, August H. Jr., Charles R., Gilbert J., Robert, Edward and her sister, Margaret Jo, she is survived by a brother, Lawrence E. Helwig. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, mathematics from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in chemistry, biology from the University of Notre Dame. A teacher of secondary school students, Sister M. Germaine taught chemistry for 26 years at Bishop McCort High School in the Altoona-Johnstown diocese. She also taught at Greensburg Central Catholic High School, and was a volunteer tutor at Geibel High School in the Greensburg diocese. Sister M. Germaine taught at Sacred Heart High School, in the Pittsburgh diocese. She was an instructor in mathematics and chemistry at Seton Hill University during summer sessions. In 1993, she was named one of Seton Hill’s Volunteers of the Year for the many hours she gave to Seton Hill students as a mathematics tutor. A dedicated teacher, Sister M. Germaine was named an honorary member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, an Honor Society for Students in Continuing Higher Education, during an award ceremony at Seton Hill University in 1996. Quiet, smiling and unassuming, Sister M. Germaine reflected on her life as a Sister of Charity, “God has been very good to me and my life has been filled with blessings. I pray that I have used His many graces as I should.”

SISTER M. REYNITA FLYNN, SC

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SISTER M. REYNITA FLYNN, SC, age 97, died at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010. A native of Johnstown, PA, Sister M. Reynita entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1930, from Our Lady of Mercy Parish, Johnstown. Preceded in death by her parents, Michael P. and Elizabeth R. (Dowdell) Flynn, three brothers, Donald P., Nicholas J., Robert J. Flynn and two sisters, Mary Veronica Flynn, and Mrs. Catherine Litzinger, cousins, Sisters M. Rosina Highland, SC and Mary Lois Highland, SC, she is survived by nieces and nephews. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Duquesne University and taught children of the primary grades in diocesan schools of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, and Pittsburgh. From 1973 until 1978, Sister M. Reynita was engaged in catechetical ministry at Holy Trinity Parish in Huntingdon, PA and from 1986-1996, Sister Reynita was entrusted with the care of her incapacitated brother. Hardworking, petite and pleasant, Sister Reynita embodied the words of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, “Dear simplicity, so loved by our Divine Master, I embrace you and prefer you a thousand times to the wisdom of the world.”

2009

SISTER MARY ELIZABETH BOYLE, SC

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Sister Mary Elizabeth Boyle, SC (formerly Sister Raymond Marie) age 77, died at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, Florida, on January 12, 2009. A Pittsburgh native, Sister Mary Elizabeth entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1950, from Saint Kieran Parish in Lawrenceville. Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph R. and Alice M. (Sheehan) Boyle, a brother, William C. Boyle and a sister, Kathleen Boyle O’Hare, she is survived by two sisters Loretta B. Bice and Sister Joann Boyle, SC, brother-in-law, Edward O’Hare, and nephews, Donald Jay (Marianne) Bice, and nieces, Jan Marie (Richard) Ritchie and Kathleen Marie Bice and good friend, Sister Carmel Rose Saizan, OSF. Sister Mary Elizabeth earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in reading and language arts from the University of Pittsburgh. A teacher of children of the primary grades, she taught students in schools of the Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, and Columbus dioceses and the Archdiocese of Washington. She was principal at Holy Cross School in Youngwood. Sister Mary Elizabeth received an Outstanding Elementary Teachers of America Award in 1975 that included an article in Who’s Who in America. She initiated a “Readiness Program” for children entering first grade at Mother of Sorrows School in Murrysville and demonstrated the effectiveness of the program at the 1975 Tri-State Teachers’ convention in Pittsburgh. In 1991, Sister Mary Elizabeth began an affiliation with hospice care, ministering to the frail and elderly population, in Lakeland, Florida. In reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, she stated, “I am grateful to God for the gift of faith, the grace of perseverance, and the generous support of my community, my family and friends.”