Sister Geraldine Pavlik

december 8, 1912 - july 24, 1996

Sister Geraldine Pavlik, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, died on July 24, 1996, in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was just 83 and in her 67th year of religious life.

Born in Czechoslovakia, Sister entered the community in 1928, professing first vows in 1929 and final vows in 1935. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Villa Maria College in Erie, Pa., in 1942, and a master’s degree in administration from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1969.

Sister Geraldine taught at and served as principal of Catholic grade schools in the Pennsylvania towns of McKees Rocks, New Castle, Erie, Pittsburgh, Tarentum, Perryopolis, Farrell, Ellsworth, Emmaus, Northampton, Stowe, Uniontown and Russellton. She also taught in New Jersey and for seven years at the former St. Francis Academy in San Antonio, Texas. Sister had a deep love of teaching and spent countless hours preparing her lessons and grading her students’ papers.

Remembered for her devotion and faithfulness to community, Sister also served as coordinator of many of the convents at which she lived over the years. Defined by her love of our Franciscan charism, Sister Geraldine was known for her ability to adjust to the signs of the times by keeping abreast of all that was happening around her and translating her experiences into the rule that she loved and followed.

With a knack for remembering dates and anticipating the needs of others, Sister Geraldine remained prayerful, gentle and young at heart until her death. May she rest in peace.

Sister Geraldine is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh.