Sister Bernadine Marie Stemnock, OSF

december 9, 1938 - DECEMBER 15, 2024

Sister Bernadine Marie (formerly known as Sister Robert), a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, United States Province, died on December 15, 2024, at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 86 and in her 68th year of religious profession.

Sister entered the community from Sacred Heart Parish in Rice’s Landing, Pa., in 1955 and professed her first vows in 1956 at Mount Assisi Convent Chapel in Pittsburgh. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education with a major in business, and studied for a master’s degree in education at Duquesne University.

During her years of ministry, Sister Bernadine Marie taught in elementary and secondary schools in the Pennsylvania dioceses of Allentown and Pittsburgh, as well as in Paterson, N.J. She later served in the finance office of St. Francis Academy in San Antonio, Texas, and for eight years as an emergency assistance care worker at Mt. Carmel Guild in Trenton, N.J.

Sister served her community as novice directress, provincial vicar, provincial treasurer, for three terms as provincial minister, and for two terms as general councilor in Rome. Sister remained a faithful participant in the community’s prayer ministry since moving to Mt. Assisi Place in 2021.

Sister Bernadine Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Barbara (Matyk) Stemnock; her brothers Edward and Frank; and her sister, Mary Sabol. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Ann Cvelbar; many nieces and nephews; and her religious community.

Services were held on December 18, 2024. Sister is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the School Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund, 4900 Perry Highway, Suite 201, Pittsburgh PA 15229. Donations also may be made online by clicking here.