| Sisters of Divine Providence

Sister John Francis Danko

Vigil Wake Service:
Tuesday, September 5 from 2-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., Providence House - Kingston, MA

Resurrection Service:
Wednesday, September 6 at 3:30 p.m., Sacred Heart High School Chapel - Kingston, MA

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister John Francis Danko
who departed this life on September 1, 2017
In the seventy-third year of her religious life
Age: 90 years, 7 months, 2 days

"Gentle woman, quiet light, Morning Star so strong and bright." (Carey Landry)

In her own quiet way, Sister John Francis departed this life in absolute peace. Because of her willingness to endure the challenges of her lymphoma diagnosis and extensive treatments ten years ago, we were blessed with more time to share in her beautiful life.

Dorothy Ruth Danko was one of three children born to Frances (Strasek) and John Danko in Swissvale, PA. Both her sister Virginia, and her brother John, have predeceased her. She leaves her sister-in-law and several devoted nieces, nephews and their spouses and families who treasured their visits with her over the years and in her latest illness.

Inspired by her mother’s love of her faith and the life of Sister Liguori, Sister John Francis responded in 1944 to God’s call to be a Sister of Divine Providence. After her profession of vows, she taught at St. Norbert’s in Overbrook, later moving to New England, as one of the pioneer Sisters in the ministry of education at Sacred Heart School in Kingston, MA. This ministry spanned 54 years and was marked by many special achievements. Sister was a beloved teacher, “dorm mother” and administrator. Serving as principal and later vice principal of Sacred Heart Junior High School, she once wrote that she “wanted to inspire her students to dream and to follow their dreams.” Towards this end she began Youth Speaks, developing competitive speech teams and also initiated the Beta Club, now known as the National Junior Honor Society. Her deep love for the school and commitment to its excellence and success was known by all. A woman of wisdom, always open to change, Sister John Francis was one of the first at the school who eagerly learned to use a computer.

For more than fifty summers, Camp Mishannock, named for Mary, our Morning Star, was home to Sister John Francis. Her dorm was a haven for countless girls who flourished under her gentle care. Welcoming campers from Mexico and other countries, Sr. John Francis was ahead of many of us in experiencing the gift of internationality.

As a Sister in Community, Sister John Francis added a calm presence wherever she was. She had an avid interest in all those around her and prayed fervently for the many needs of her family, friends and the world. Her life was a faithful revelation of God’s loving Providence for anyone who met her. When introduced to the Hospice staff, Sister was delighted to recognize the Social Worker as a former student, who fondly remembered her as well. Sister’s warm smile “so strong and bright” gave witness to how much she still loved Sacred Heart and all who crossed her path there. May her loving and gentle spirit live on in all of us.

Birthday: January 31
Sister Claudia Ward

CLICK HERE to make a contribution in honor of Sister John Francis Danko's memory

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the letter	108.08 KB
CLICK HERE to view the memorial PowerPoint presentation for Sr. John Francis	21.53 MB

Sister Anna Marie Muck

Visitation:
Tuesday, September 19 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. & Wednesday, September 20 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Vigil Wake Service:
Tuesday, September 19 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:
Wednesday, September 20 at 4 p.m., Mother of Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Anna Marie Muck
who departed this life on September 16, 2017
In the seventy-third year of her religious life
Age: 89 years, 10 months, 4 days

"...the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night..."(1 Thessalonians 5:2)

Unexpectedly, on the morning of September 16, 2017 Sister Anna Marie (Jean Baptist) Muck entered into eternal life. The eleventh and youngest child of John Baptist and Rose (Gasser) Muck entered the Community in 1944, from St. Martin's Parish in the West End of Pittsburgh.

Sister Anna Marie’ s primary passion was Catholic Education. She began teaching when she was just twenty years old and continued in that ministry for the next 67 years! Her energetic and creative spirit was evident in and out of the classroom. A competent and dedicated school administrator, Anna Marie served as a principal in the Archdiocese of Detroit and in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. For many summers, Sister Anna Marie enjoyed ministering with her classmates at Camp Mishannock in Kingston, Massachusetts. Her students at Toner Institute and St. Joseph Military School both respected and loved her. However, it was Sister Anna Marie's devotion to the academic community at Providence Heights Alpha School which remains unrivaled. Significantly, her love for children extended from the Alpha School to Las Cañitas—an impoverished neighborhood along the Ozama River in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Annually, she encouraged the children of the Alpha School to share their abundance with Pituca Flores, a school which houses more than 300 children who live in extreme social vulnerability.

Characterized by integrity and strength of character, Anna Marie was a woman of passionate ideals whose opinions were rarely ambiguous. “Mucky” enjoyed lively exchanges about politics, sports, theology, pedagogy, and religious life. Her patriotism was reflected not only in her spoken declarations, but in her choice of room decor and in her dress on national holidays. She bled "black and gold" cheering on the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. While she mellowed in more recent years, her fortitude and tenacity were nonetheless evident as she refused treatment for the cancer which caused painful suffering.

Sister Anna Marie was a woman who daily made God's Providence visible in her community life, her ministry, and her fidelity to prayer. We have no doubt that when the hour came, Anna Marie, who throughout her life generously gave whatever was needed, was not found wanting.

Birthday: November 13
Sister Michele Bisbey

CLICK HERE to make a contribution in honor of Sister Anna Marie's memory.

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the memorial letter	94.24 KB

Sister Maria Ulrika Fettel - Emmanuel von Ketteler Province

All of us were very surprised and taken aback by the sudden death of Sister Ulrika. From the midst of the life of the community and every day life, she went quietly and discreetly from us in the same way as she had lived. The evening before her death she had been cheerfully among her fellow sisters at a small celebration. Since the following morning she did not come to the Eucharistic celebration as usual, the sisters were very worried. They found her dead in her room. She probably did not envisage herself that the Lord would take her home at this point in time. Only a few days before, she had celebrated the day of her profession of vows.

Sister Maria Ulrika, born Margot Fettel, was born in Bürstadt/Hessen on 14th December 1936. At the age of 24, she entered our community as a trained children’s nurse on 25th March 1960. On 08th September 1963 she professed her first vows and on 12th September 1968, her final vows.

From 1963 to 1965 she completed her training as a kindergarten teacher. Soon after she took over a new group of children in our newly-erected children’s home in Oberursel/Taunus and was in charge of it until 1969. From 1969 until 1979 she was in charge of the kindergarten in Obererlenbach.

In 1979, this local community was closed and Sister Ulrika returned to Oberursel and served as a receptionist in our technical college where she maintained good contact with the students.

From 1989 until 1992 she was entrusted with serving as superior in the convent of the provincial house. After that she was allowed a course for ongoing formation in Rome at the Institute „Regina Mundi“. After her return she was sent to the Westerwald in our retirement home in Möllingen. There in collaboration with the other sisters, she committed herself to the wellbeing of the residents. The closing of that institution was the reason that her new workplace was the retirement home in Bad Nauheim where she stayed from 1995 to 2003.

Although Sister Ulrika could have gone into retirement she was willing to go to Poland together with two sisters where the community opened a new house in 2004. For eight years, Sister Ulrika worked in Olesno/Poland teaching pre-school children German. When this house had to be closed because of the age and health restrictions of the sisters, Sister Ulrika moved to Mainz to the former Motherhouse, in order to take on part-time service as a receptionist. Sister Ulrika was a modest and adorable fellow sister. We thank her for her loyal cooperation in our community.

We will all miss her very much.
Day of death: 14th September 2017
Feast day: 04th July
Funeral: Thursday, 21st September 2017 at 11:00 am in Mainz - Finthen

With sisterly regards

Sister Clementine Fritscher
Provincial Superior

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE TO PRINT the Memorial Letter	137.09 KB

Sister Alicia Schweitzer

Visitation:
Tuesday, October 17 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. & Wednesday, October 18 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Vigil Wake Service:
Tuesday, October 17 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:
Wednesday, October 18 at 4 p.m., Mother of Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Alicia Schweitzer
Who departed this life on October 14, 2017
In the sixty-sixth year of her religious life
Age: 82 years, 5 months, 29 days

On the morning on October 14, 2017, Sister Alicia Schweitzer entered into the embrace of our Provident God. Dolores Schweitzer was the youngest of four children. Her parents, Peter and Anna Marie (Freund) Schweitzer made their home in McKeesport, Pennsylvania where Dolores first met the Sisters of Divine Providence at St. Mary School. It was Sister Paraclete who helped Dolores to recognize and nurture her call to religious life. She entered the community in 1951 and received the name Sister Alicia as a novice in 1952.

Over the course of many years, Sister Alicia earned degrees from Duquesne University, Villanova University and Dayton University as preparation and support for many varied ministries. She was a teacher, principal, formation director, pastoral minister and accountant. Her primary ministry was education. She taught every level from elementary through high school and served as a school administrator. Thirteen of those years were spent in Puerto Rico.

In the 1990s Sister Alicia was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Nonetheless, she courageously continued in ministry and became part of the pastoral team at St. Mary’s in Export, PA. In 1998 she returned to the Provincial House where she joined with other sisters in Prayer Ministry. Throughout her days she was supported and cared for by her sisters in community, and two of her dear and faithful friends, Sr. Concepta Stanko and Fr. Dismas Young, OFM, Cap.

Sister Alicia was a very gifted woman. In addition to her leadership skills, she was creative and artistic. Her classmates recall her writing, producing, and directing skits and plays even during her novitiate days. She also had a keen sense of humor and was described as one who was never afraid to tackle a job.

Sister Alicia was a woman of prayer. She considered the Eucharist to be central to her life. She had a great devotion to Our Lady; her favorite prayer was the Hail Mary and she was faithful to the daily recitation of the rosary. As Sister Alicia was faithful to Our Eucharistic Lord, and Our Blessed Mother, surely they accompanied her during her prolonged illness and finally brought her to the Eternal Banquet.

Birthday: April 16
Classmates of Sister Alicia

CLICK HERE to make a contribution in honor of Sister Alicia's memory.

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the memorial letter - ENGLISH	91.01 KB
CLICK HERE to print the memorial letter - SPANISH	43.51 KB

Sister Theresa Bernhart

Visitation:
Monday, November 27 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. & Tuesday, November 28 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Vigil Wake Service:
Monday, November 27 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:
Tuesday, November 28 at 3:30 p.m., Mother of Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Theresa Bernhart
Who departed this life on November 24, 2017
In the 80th year of her religious life
Age: 96 years, 6 months, 16 days

“Who can find a woman of worth? Far beyond jewels is her value…She opens her mouth in wisdom; kindly instruction is on her tongue… Acclaim her for the work of her hands, and let her deeds praise her at the city gates.” (Proverbs)

What better description of Sister Theresa Bernhart, whose deeds most certainly praised her at her entrance to heaven, on Friday evening, November 24.

Dorothy Bernhart was one of 9 children of Lawrence and Emma (Miller) Bernhart. She followed her cousin, Sister Mary Alvin Hunter, into the Sisters of Divine Providence. Her ministry for decades was primarily education. She was not merely a teacher, school principal or superintendent of schools, but was truly an educator. Sister Theresine Gildea said of her that she had the ability to “put things together,” and that she could see what was needed at the school so the students could achieve in the future.

Besides being educator, she was also one educated, at Duquesne University and the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a Master’s degree in Latin.

Sister Leona Ulewicz saw her as fair in dealing with students and faculty members. As school superintendent in Puerto Rico, Theresa was very disturbed when she heard of a student receiving some type of discipline which would “put a damper” on a holiday or family celebration.

Theresa was an educator, teacher or school administrator, in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Arecibo, PR, Youngstown, and the archdiocese of Detroit. She spent twenty years in ministry in Puerto Rico, where she was able to relate well to teachers, clergy and the bishop. Sister Inesita Velez described her as reachable, a person who listened and would do something about what was told to her. She must have really loved Puerto Rico. In 1972, she left explicit instructions for her burial, if she were to die while missioned in Puerto Rico.

Theresa also provided clerical assistance at the Generalate in Rome. Her last active ministry was with Providence Day Care South. And, through all her years in ministry, she was an excellent cook! She was always at community prayer, took a turn cooking, made many of her own clothes, was a member of the Regional Council when Puerto Rico was a region, and knew how to empower others. At the time of her diamond jubilee in religious life, Theresa described herself as prayerful, pleasant and determined but kind. She knew herself well.

Sister Theresa Bernhart was truly one of those women whose shoulders we stand on today. Truly a woman of worth, whose value is far beyond jewels.

Birthday: May 9
Sister Mary Traupman

CLICK HERE to make a contribution in honor of Sister Theresa's memory.

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the memorial letter - ENGLISH	113.96 KB
CLICK HERE to print the memorial letter - SPANISH	41.32 KB

Sister Mary Salvatore Leo

Visitation:
Monday, December 11 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. & Tuesday, December 12 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Vigil Wake Service:
Monday, December 11 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:
Tuesday, December 12 at 3:30 p.m., Mother of Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Mary Salvatore Leo
Who departed this life on December 9, 2017
In the 82nd year of her religious life
Age: 100 years, 6 days

Just six days after celebrating her 100th birthday, Sister Mary Salvatore Leo fell into the welcoming arms of the Giver of Life! Amalia Carmela Leo was the eighth of nine children born to Salvatore and Mary (Magnelli) Leo. Her parents, devout Catholics and Italian immigrants, moved from Millvale, PA in 1921 to a 60-acre farm in Glenshaw. Raised on that farm, Sister Salvatore developed an early love for the earth, growing things and animals. Even as a child, Sal was known for her compassionate heart, cheerful smile, and sense of humor. At the age of 5, she saw a Sister in full habit and the first words out of her mouth were, “Why wasn’t I born like one of them?”

Sal began her ministry in education. She taught in a number of schools including St. Joseph Military School where she was the first and second grade teacher. Of this time, Sister Salvatore said, “you had to be mother, father and teacher to the boys.” Upon reading an article in a community magazine that described Sister Salvatore as a very accomplished woman but, of short stature, a former student wrote, “I remember you as being seven feet tall…I want to thank you for the way you handled and nurtured a scared little boy.”

While teaching in elementary schools, Sister Salvatore earned nursing degrees at St. John’s Hospital Nursing School and Duquesne University, attending classes on Saturdays and in the summers. She joined Braddock General Hospital in 1955 and ministered there for the next fifty years. During that time Sal supervised the pediatric departments, and the medical and surgical units, in addition she served as associate director of nursing services and was head nurse of the hospital’s health clinic. She was always particularly concerned for those “who are not loved much or who have few friends” noting that sometimes such people “are just frightened… I try to be friendly.” However, caring for children and babies in the pediatric department was one of her most rewarding assignments. “I think those were the happiest years of my life, “she said. “Children and babies are so precious and innocent.”

In 1974, Sister Salvatore began the IV therapy team. Her reputation for being able to find the most elusive of veins is legendary. Her unique complement of expertise and clinical knowledge combined with compassionate care set the standards for professionalism in nursing. Her health care peers noted that Sister Salvatore’s faithful care for patients “served as a beacon of constancy in a world where change is the rule rather than the exception.”

Throughout her many days as a Sister of Divine Providence, Sal was the healing presence of a Provident God. She comforted those in need without discrimination and a compassionate heart. May Sister Mary Salvatore continue to be with us in making God’s Providence more visible.

Birthday: December 4
Sister Michele Bisbey

CLICK HERE to make a contribution in honor of Sister Mary Salvatore's memory.

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the memorial letter - ENGLISH	130.47 KB
CLICK HERE to print the memorial letter - SPANISH	89.62 KB

Sister Rosalia Caulfield

Visitation:
Wednesday, December 27 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. & Thursday, December 28 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Vigil Wake Service:
Wednesday, December 27 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:
Thursday, December 28 at 3:30 p.m., Mother of Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Rosalia Caulfield
Who departed this life on December 23, 2017
In the seventy-ninth year of her religious life
Age: 97 years, 3 months, 28 days

Sister Rosalia (Cecilia Catherine) was the 5th child of Cecilia and Michael and grew up in the Sheridan area of Pittsburgh. Although triplets were born after her, they did not survive, making Cecilia Catherine the youngest of the very Irish family. Sister Rosalia had many happy memories of her childhood and adored her Irish immigrant Dad. She frequently related stories of doing things with her Dad that were quite special to her. She was the last survivor of her siblings and remained very close to other family members.

Rosie, as her friends called her, was frequently seen driving her electric wheelchair around Providence Heights, and always recognizable by her sign, “Lord, help me to be the person my dog thinks I am” on the back of it. She has long been an animal lover and enthusiastically greeted the visiting dogs with special treats.

Rosie’s sunny disposition and friendly manner endeared her to many people in the various places that she ministered. Although mostly known for her nursing ministry, Rosie originally started out as a first grade teacher. Her life changed when she was asked to take on nursing as her ministry. After completing her initial training at St. John’s Hospital on Pittsburgh’s North Side, she went on to study at Duquesne University and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she earned a master’s degree in nursing. She worked in various capacities at St. John’s, Divine Providence and Braddock General Hospitals in Pittsburgh. Her ministry also included six years of teaching nursing at the Catholic University in Puerto Rico and several years of teaching in the nursing program at Penn State University. While in California visiting with her friend Father Charles Yost, she found out the Brothers of St. John of the Cross were looking for a pastoral minister at their hospital. She was introduced to them and they hired her on the spot. So at the age of 64, she picked up and moved to San Bernardino, California, to minister at St. Mary Hospital for nine years.

Over the years Rosie became a strong opponent of capital punishment and began corresponding with several men on death row and even visiting with them. While living at Providence Heights she initially coordinated the monthly sandwich-making for the homeless served by Operation Safety Net. She also had a special relationship with some of the Alpha School children and said that “they continue to bring joy, happiness and energy to her life.” Always proud to celebrate her Irish heritage and “the wearing of the green,” Rosie looked forward to the annual Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Despite her daily discomfort from extensive arthritis, Rosie could frequently be heard saying to a passer-by “come and sit down here awhile” and inquiring about that person’s day and how they felt. Whenever she was asked how she was doing, her normal reply was “just marvelous!” In describing her life at the time of her 75th Jubilee she wrote, “Over the past 75 years as a sister of Divine Providence, I have learned that a Provident God is my constant companion, and that His grace has empowered me to reach out to others in my ministries. It is my hope that I would be able to lead others to experience a profound trust in a loving personal God.”

May she rejoice now in the Lord who has been her “constant companion.”

Birthday: August 26
Sister Margaret Jankowiak

CLICK HERE to make a contribution in honor of Sister Rosalia Caulfield's memory.

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the memorial letter - ENGLISH	120.89 KB

Sister Maria Klothilde Hehn - Emmanuel von Ketteler Province

Dear Sisters, dear Relatives, dear Caretakers,

Sister Maria Klothilde Hehn entered eternal life today on 21st June 2017, at 4:00pm.

Emilie Hehn, born on 05.02.1932 in Mainz-Kastel, entered our congregation on 02.02.1956. Many years before her entrance, she got to know our Sisters as a helper in a kindergarten. From 1953 to 1954 she trained for childcare assistant and continued to work with the Sisters in the kindergarten. The good example of Sr. Eustolia motivated her to dedicate her life to God and to enter the community of the ”Sisters of Divine Providence."

After her first profession on 30.04.1959, she was sent to the house in Kirchberg/Jülich and for ten years she served in the apostolate in the kindergarten. From 1968 on, she was serving in the kindergarten in Herrnsheim.
From 1972 to 1974 she attended Feldbergschule in Mainz and qualified as a kindergarten teacher. In the following years until the closing of the house in summer 1999, she was in charge of the kindergarten in Herrnsheim, where she also served beneficially in the parish community.

After the closing of the convent she moved to Mainz-Finthen and served at the entrance and in the household. The people of Herrnsheim were faithful to her and came to visit her often.

In 2015, she had to move to the Motherhouse in Mainz together with two other Sisters, because of the overall renovation of the convent in Finthen. Before the end of the year, in November, she had to be brought to the nursing ward in Aschaffenburg because of her health condition. She spent there a cheerful time among her fellow Sisters. She was very well-liked by all the caretakers because of her cheerful personality. Homesickness for Finthen caught up with her again and again. In Finthen she felt at home. Again and again she enquired about the progress of the refurbishment measures and hoped to be able to move back to the convent in Finthen.

Unfortunately, it was impossible to fulfil her desire because of her increasing need for care and her frequent stays in hospital. Now God has given her an eternal home. He will stem her longing.

Her motto that also encouraged others was: “Always cheerful, God helps you along." In this saying she expressed her trust in the guidance of the wise providence of God.

We thank all of you who so lovingly cared for her and accompanied her with in a sisterly way.

With quiet greetings,

Sr. Clementine Fritscher, Provincial superior

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE TO PRINT the Memorial Letter - ENGLISH	113.97 KB
CLICK HERE TO PRINT the Memorial Letter - ESPANOL	104.08 KB

Sister Anthima Adam - Emmanuel von Ketteler Province

“We praise, O Lord, your Providence and
we put our trust in your loving Providence.“

Sister Anthima Adam, née Martha Adams, born on August 10, 1920, in Dietesheim near Offenbach, completed her journey here on earth on Sunday morning, January 16, 2017, at about 5:17 a.m. after being released from a few days stay in the hospital.

Sister Anthima was very undemanding and always a cheerful and contented Sister. When asked how she was, she never complained. Her heart was wide and large for all the concerns in the world and in the Church. Her favorite place was the chapel. She often expressed the wish to be brought there. Then she prayed aloud and sang all the songs which she carried in her heart and which she had learned from childhood on. Her cheerfulness was expressed in many songs.

On June 15, 1947, Sister Anthima entered our congregation urged by the good example of her aunt, Sister Rogata. She was invested on July 2, 1948 and professed First Vows on July 3, 1950. At first she received an appointment for housekeeping in Neustadt and Weiskirchen. After her Final Profession she was sent to Fehlheim and Lützel-Wibelsbach.

From 1961 to 1963, she trained for nursing in our Ketteler-Hospital in Offenbach and served there after she passed the exam until her transfer to Neustadt. From 1972 to 1992, her last place of appointment was in the retirement home in Neustadt/ Odenwald until it was closed. There she experienced a lot of joy since she had the opportunity, although already advanced in years, to learn to play the piano and to form a small choir with the residents.

After this period of time she moved to the former provincial house in Aschaffenburg where she supported the sisters in the convent with services in the house and in the garden. Sr. Anthima was a sister who prayed always; others could bring to her all their concerns. She will be in our memories as undemanding and always kind.

Funeral: Friday, 20.01.2017 at 1pm at the Altstadt Cemetery in Aschaffenburg
Afterwards: Eucharistic celebration in the convent chapel /Aschaffenburg

With sisterly greetings,

Schwester Clementine Fritscher
Provincial Superior

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE TO PRINT the Memorial Letter	182.29 KB

Sister Lorraine Giel

Visitation:
Thursday, February 2, 2017 from from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh
Friday, February 3, 2017 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Wake Service:
Thursday, February 2, 2017 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:
Friday, February 3, 2017 at 3:30 p.m., Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Lorraine Giel
who departed this life on January 30, 2017
in the sixty-eighth year of her religious life
Age: 87 years, 6 months, 20 days

“To everything there is a season and a time for everything under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die ….”

On January 30, in the midst of winter ice and snow, Sister Lorraine smiled and whispered her warm good bye to all of us who knew and loved her. She moved on from her life on earth to be one with the God of Providence who gifted, loved, and graced her throughout her life’s journey.

Born on July 11, 1929, in Glenshaw, PA, Virginia Mary Giel, the 9th of 10 children, was the daughter of John and Mary Reiner Giel. As the mystery of her life unfolded, God’s special life plan for Virginia was shaped. On December 27, 1949, Virginia said “yes” to a call that had been burning within her by entering the Community of the Sisters of Divine Providence. She received the habit and her religious name, Sister Lorraine on June 29, 1950. Indeed, there is a time and season for everything in life’s journey. The demands of living her “yes” led her to the commitment of first vows on June 27, 1952 and Final Vows on August 12, 1956. The longing within Lorraine to be drawn ever closer to her Provident God and to give herself to God’s people in ministry was strong.

Her prayer, “As the mystery of my life unfolds through the passing of years, draw my love ever nearer to you” was embodied and witnessed in her ministry of education for 35 years as both teacher and principal. From 1987-1991, Lorraine shared her gift of life experience as Associate Director of the CSM (a diocesan service sponsored by Religious Communities to assist members looking for new ministries) and as a Secretary for a Diocesan Office from 1992 to 1994.

Faithful to the needs of the time, Lorraine began to share in internal ministry as Health Coordinator at Providence Heights and later as a volunteer at Kearns Spirituality Center. Her continued search for growth and openness led her to new seasons in her earth journey. She made a choice to embrace and help shape an intentional community from 1990 to the days of her retirement. This choice impacted her life in deep ways, as well as the lives of others with whom she lived through prayer, faith sharing, community, and social outreach. Even in death, she continues to positively impact the lives of others through her decision to donate her brain tissue.

These words, written at the time of her 50th Jubilee, attest to her beauty and depth: “Most of my 50 years have been a life of peace, challenging, with a variety of ministries and eagerness as to what each new day brings; God works in my daily life through people I meet and through much of nature; I like to pray in a quiet, restful place…sometimes outdoors…using Scripture or nature…away from the everyday activities…free to be alone with my God. My favorite quotes include, ‘Visibly do I see in all things the wonderful providence of God’ and ‘Seek always the face of the Lord.’ What helps me sustain my enthusiasm and commitment to religious life is the support that I receive living in community, shared prayer with others I live with and time for quiet and reflection…opportunities to enjoy one another…freedom to be ME.”

Thank you, Provident God for allowing the spirit of Jesus to be enfleshed through Sister Lorraine Giel in all the seasons of her earth life. May she know fullness of life and love with you, forever.

Birthday: July 11
Sister Anne Winschel

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the letter	100.36 KB
CLICK HERE to print the letter - SPANISH	53.26 KB

Sister Maria Goretti McClary

Visitation:
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 from from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh
Thursday, June 1, 2017 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Wake Service:
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:
Thursday, June 1, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Maria Goretti McClary
who departed this life on May 28, 2017
Age: 76 years, 3 months, 22 days

Elizabeth Margaret McClary was born in St. Louis, Missouri to James McClary and Elva Davis on February 7, 1941. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert. Besides being our Sister, Maria was the proud and loving aunt to Sean Terry and his wife Naomi and great-aunt to their twin boys, Elijah and Isaiah.

Elizabeth (Betty) entered the congregation August 17, 1956, became a novice and received the religious name Maria Goretti, and professed first vows in 1959. Her first ministries in community included cooking and housekeeping at Mt. Providence and local missions in the Missouri and Illinois areas. Before making final vows, she left the community and continued to journey, grow, and discern her life’s call in God’s Providence. In 1980, Maria re-entered the congregation.

In 1984, Maria earned an associate degree in early childhood education from Florissant Valley Community College. For many years afterwards, her ministry was to be God’s loving and affirming presence to young children as a teacher and a caregiver. Maria loved being with children and cultivated not only learning in them but self-esteem. Above all, she wanted each child to know they had dignity and value and that they were loved.

Maria loved to dance, watch videos, play cards, and enjoy dogs. She thrived in community celebrations and reminded her Sisters and friends in their birthday cards that God danced the day that they were born. She was known to play cards with Sr. Joan Wolf for hours on end and since both wanted to win, the games were always memorable.

In 2004, Maria moved to the Villa, an assisted care facility, in Alton, Illinois and although she found this move challenging on many levels, she said simply: “I’m going to think of all the positives.” In 2007, she moved to Pittsburgh so she could receive the care she needed. She continued to be involved with living as fully as possible. She participated in the Life Pittsburgh program and loved the enrichment it provided with activities and meeting others.

After her stroke, conversations were more limited but Maria’s efforts to communicate were full of interest and love. When she saw you approaching her, she became sunshine, beaming with a joy that no one could take from her. At the end of visits, she could often be heard saying very clearly: “I love you” as part of her good-bye.

Maria has been called into the fullness of God’s love where she is surely saying with Jesus: “Let the children come to me and do not stop them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Luke 18:16-17)

Birthday: February 7
Sister Janet Folkl

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the letter - ENGLISH	76.55 KB
CLICK HERE to print the letter - SPANISH	82.7 KB

Sister Hilda Prohaska

Visitation:
Monday, June 12, 2017 from from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh
Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 12-3 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Wake Service:
Monday, June 12, 2017 at 7 p.m., Community Room at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

Resurrection Service:
Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 4:00 p.m., Divine Providence Chapel at Providence Heights - Pittsburgh

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Hilda Prohaska
who departed this life on June 9, 2017
in the sixtieth year of her religious life (January 19, 1958)
Age: 86 years, 11 months, 9 days

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Luke 10: 10

Theresa Prohaska came to the Sisters of Divine Providence from Springdale, Pa, where she was born in 1930, the youngest of eight children. In a short autobiography which she wrote in elementary school, she describes her wonderful pre-school childhood as having “only to eat, sleep, and play” with her siblings and the other children in the neighborhood. Theresa was afraid of dogs back then, so when she was six years old and it was time to begin school, she cried so hard because of the dogs that were always around school, that her mother agreed she could wait until the next year to begin first grade. Luckily, by then, she was ready for school and even enjoyed it, especially because it gave her a chance to be involved in sports all through elementary and high school. Theresa began to work in several local firms immediately after graduation. She was also actively involved in St. Alphonsus Church and was the volunteer driver for the Sisters of Divine Providence who taught at the school there. It was through her close association with them that Theresa realized her call to religious life and entered the community in 1958.

Despite being at least ten years older than the other postulants in her group, Teresa had more energy to do physical work in the Lord’s harvest than any of them. From her early days in the novitiate, she cleaned, scrubbed, painted and mowed with the kind of energy and care that probably helped give our community the nickname, “Dutch Cleanser Ladies.” She had a way of getting the other novices to be as generous with their time as she was with hers, recruiting their help for the most difficult tasks, like re-painting the outdoor stations and mowing the grass in between the tombstones in the cemetery.

Theresa, who had chosen the name, Hilda, for her religious name in honor of her mother, made her first vows in 1960. She then began to labor in the Lord’s harvest in a more direct way by beginning her ministry of teaching little children. Sr. Hilda taught in at least nine elementary schools in Pennsylvania and one in Ohio. Because she often worked with students in the second grade, she had the task of preparing them for their First Holy Communion, a task which she recognized as a privilege.
In 1970, her teaching ministry was temporarily interrupted when she was asked to labor in the Lord’s harvest in Rome at the home of Cardinal Wright. There she did whatever was necessary to make the Cardinal comfortable and his home presentable. She received in return the unexpected treat of visiting the wonders of the Eternal City.

Whether teaching school or doing physical work, Sr. Hilda’s life was characterized by caring labor for others. She would readily offer to help anyone in need, seeming to recognize that the harvest of the Lord is everywhere. Perhaps she also tried to compensate for the laborers being few by doing the work of many.

Although never a person who spoke much about her own spirituality, Sr. Hilda had deep faith in God and special devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Interestingly, as she grew older, she began to express to her good friend and travel partner, Sr. Natalie, how dependent she felt on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When they went on vacations together, Sr. Natalie would ask her if she knew how to get to their destination. The reply she received was always the same: “No, but I will.” Sr. Natalie wonders now if the Holy Spirit had become Sr. Hilda’s personal GPS, not just for driving, but for all her life!

May Sr. Hilda truly now rest in peace from her labor!

Birthday: July 1
Sister Mary Ellen Rufft

CLICK HERE to make a contribution in honor of Sister Hilda's memory.

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE to print the letter - ENGLISH	145.63 KB
CLICK HERE to print the letter - SPANISH	45.63 KB

Sister Maria Amanda Diel - Emmanuel von Ketteler Province

On 24th May 2017 at 10 p.m., the Vigil of the ”Ascension of the Lord“, our dear Sister Maria Amanda Diel entered eternal life calmly and quietly.

On November 22nd, 1923, Maria Diel was born in Bechtolsheim, Mainz. As she said once her baptismal name accompanied her through her entire life. Mary was her patron saint and her model as expressed in her motto: “I am the handmaid of the Lord.“ Luke 1:37.

Through sisters of our community who served in her place of residence and through their life testimony she found her way into our congregation on February 2nd, 1949. Still in the same year, she was invested and she professed her first vows on September 8th, 1951 in Mainz and on 8th September 1956, she professed her final vows.

Sister Maria Amanda had a very colorful life. After her first vows on 8th September 1951, she served in Bingen - Büdesheim in the household. In 1953, she began training as a nurse in Hildegardis Hospital. After the exam she was sent to Heinsberg, where she served until 1958. From 1958 until 1967 she served many years which were rich in blessings in Rüsselsheim. From 1967-1968 she served in Mainz-Kastel; from 1968-1969 in Mainz-Mombach, and from 1969-1970 in Sulzheim, Gau-Bickelheim in outpatient care. From 1970-1978 she was transferred once more to Rüsselsheim. After the closing of the house, she served for many years in Klein-Winternheim. From 1981 on, she was superior in this convent, in addition to her professional activity. In 1990, she was willing to serve in our generalate house in Rome. In addition to her responsibility as convent superior she was in charge of many services in the house.

In 1992, after her return to the Motherhouse in Mainz she carried out the service as a sacristan with great zeal and accuracy. When her physical strength started to fail her, she had to leave this task to a younger sister. We thank Sister Maria Amanda Diel for her varied and faithful service for God and the people.

On August 7th, 2013, she moved to Aschaffenburg where she was cared for and looked after very lovingly and with much understanding by our nursing staff until the hour of her death. We thank everyone who looked after her physical and psychological well-being in the last years of her life and ask God to reward them everything.

Sister M. Amanda was a very introverted person who sometimes was mystifying to those in her surroundings. We pray God will hold her safe in his great love.

Funeral: at the Altstadt-cemetery in Aschaffenburg
Afterwards Eucharistic celebration in the chapel of the convent/Clemensheim.

With silent greetings,

Sr. Clementine Fritscher
Provincial Superior

Attachment	Size
CLICK HERE TO PRINT the Memorial Letter - ENGLISH	91.17 KB
CLICK HERE TO PRINT the Memorial Letter - SPANISH	84.8 KB

In Memory 2017