Sister Coletta Sosna, OSF

november 24, 1872 - january 19, 1952

Shortly after midnight. January 19, 1952, Sister M. Coletta Sosna, departed from this life to receive from her loving and merciful spouse, Jesus, a rich reward for her noble, exemplary and truly religious life.

She was one of our “Pioneer Sisters,” whose spirit of sacrifice, love and devotion to the congregation greatly added to the success of our American Province.

Sister Coletta was the oldest Sister among us. She came from Europe in 1914 from the Province of Prague, where she spent 19 years of her religious life. The records of these years show the same characteristics so strongly evident to us — faithfulness to duty, kindness in thought and word, consideration for the welfare and happiness of others, sincere piety, and whole-hearted interest for all that pertained to our beloved community.

Baptized Catherine, she was born in Litovli, Moravia, to Wenceslaus and Mary Smerha. Catherine attended the public school of her town and later helped her parents at home. After entering the postulancy in Slatinany July 4, 1894, she was received into the novitiate the following year, September 29, 1895. After making her perpetual vows on December 27, 1899, Sister Coletta was appointed superior in Nymburg and, later, in St. Joseph Institute in Prague. In 1906, Sister Coletta was recalled to Slatinany and remained there until her departure for America. During those eight years, she served as prefect of boarding girls and candidates and novice-mistress, taught French, and gave organ lessons.

On November 7, 1914, Sister M. Coletta left Europe and, after arriving in America, was assigned to St. Clement Convent in Tarentum, Pa. With her usual zeal, she undertook her role as organist and teacher of primary grades. The 15 years that Sister Coletta spent in Tarentum won her the esteem and admiration of both children and adults there. From 1927 to 1933, Sister served as a superior, teacher and organist in the Pennsylvania towns of Ambridge and New Castle. In 1934, she was transferred to Clarksburg, W.Va., where she remained until her death in 1952. 

Despite her advanced age and failing health, Sister continually occupied herself with manual work, especially crocheting lovely doilies and laces of all kinds. In 1947, she became seriously ill with a prolonged heart condition which eventually proved fatal. Having received the Last Sacraments, resigning herself to the Holy Will of God, and with continual aspirations to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sister Coletta expired on January 19, 1952. A solemn High Mass was offered for the repose of her soul.

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