Sister Celestine Kasko

September 26, 1904 - january 12, 1988

Sister M. Celestine (Catherine Cecelia) Kasko, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, died on January 12, 1988, in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 84 in her 67th year of religious life.

The daughter of John and Anna (Vargo) Kasko, Catherine was born on September 26, 1904, in Windber, Pa. She entered the community in 1920, professing first vows in 1921 and final vows in 1930. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1941 from Villa Maria College in Buffalo, N.Y.

Between 1921 and 1972, Sister Celestine taught at Catholic grade schools in the Pennsylvania towns of Ambridge, Erie, Barnesboro, Pittsburgh, Tarentum, Farrell, Hellertown, Charleroi, Northampton, Shenandoah, Canonsburg, Ellsworth, Clymer and Perryopolis. She also served in Jersey City, N.J., and taught CCD and served as sacristan in several parishes. Sister was often in charge of the First Communion class at the parish schools and was in charge of the boarding students at Mount Assisi Academy from 1944 to 1947.

Always on top of current events, Sister Celestine is remembered for the conscientious and devoted spirit she had when teaching little ones.  She applied herself wholeheartedly in all her work and seemed to enjoy what she did.  She also tried to be helpful to others who lived with her.

Sister had an innate sense of wonder and love nature. She had a great love of her religious community and was always willing to do what was asked of her — including clipping coupons and cancelled stamps. “I remember the little twinkle in her eye when she was happy about something or planning to surprise someone else with some little gift,” one Sister recalls.

In times of illness, Sister Celestine showed great resolve and concern for others who were sick. “Sister Celestine was always ready to begin again,” one Sister wrote. “Each time she was restored to health, she would ask how she could help the community. She gave until she had no more to give.”

Sister Angela is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa.