Sister Bernadette Ann Bozak

May 30, 1933 - January 26, 2017

Sister M. Bernadette Ann (formerly Sister Thomas) died on January 26, 2017, at Marian Hall Home in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 83 and in her 65th year of religious life.

Sister entered the community from St. Stephen Parish in Shenandoah, Pa., in 1950 and professed her first vows in 1952 at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, Pa.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Mercy College (Carlow University) in Pittsburgh, Pa., and a master’s degree in Counseling from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J.

Sister Bernadette Ann taught the elementary grades in various schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as religious formation classes in Massachusetts.
She also served as principal in two schools in Pennsylvania. Upon her retirement from education, Sister ministered to the sisters at Villa Clare in Bethlehem, Pa.
She also served for 12 years as a pastoral associate and organist in New Hampshire. Her last four years of life were spent at Marian Hall Home as a faithful participant in the prayer ministry.

Sister loved God above all, but also loved lighthouses, which she considered to be symbols of light and hope. She is remembered as a warm and gentle visitor to many. A true Franciscan, Sister Bernadette Ann loved all of God’s creatures, especially cats. She enjoyed people, laughter, celebrations and telling stories.

Sister Bernadette Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Anna (Shallack) Bozak; brother Michael; and sisters Louise Shaw and Wilma Baldwin.
She is survived by her religious community, her brother-in-law Harry Shaw, and her nieces and nephews.    

Sister Bernadette Ann is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.