Sister Grace Chermack, OSF

SEPTEMBER 15, 1929 - june 25, 2022

Sister Grace (Marian) Chermack, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis United States Province, died on June 25, 2022, at Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh, Pa.. She was 92 and in her 73rd year of religious life.

Marian was born to Joseph and Ann (Bardun) Chermack on September 15, 1929, in Erie, Pa. She was one of four children — two boys and two girls. Her father worked as a machinist, and her mother was a devoted wife and mother. Both were of Slovak descent.

Marian attended Holy Family elementary school and Villa Maria Academy in Erie. She entered the community from Holy Family Parish in Erie in 1947 and was received into the novitiate the following year at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, where she was given the name of Sister Grace. She professed her first vows in 1949 at Mount Assisi Convent and immediately began teaching in the elementary grades. Her final profession was in 1954.

Sister Grace attended Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) in Pittsburgh, where in 1960 she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. In 1964, Sister earned her master’s degree in education from Duquesne University with a specialization in library science.

Sister Grace spent her first 13 years teaching the elementary grades in parish schools. She was then sent to Cottage Grove, Oregon to teach and do CCD in a parish. She also taught and served as principal in the dioceses of Erie, Greensburg, Pittsburgh and San Antonio, Texas. In 1971, she was one of the first elected provincial councilors, and continued to serve in that capacity until 1977. Later she ministered for several years as program director at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her later years of ministry were spent mostly as a school principal, school accountant, finance assistant and librarian at the Motherhouse. In her final years at Mount Assisi and Vincentian Home, she was a faithful participant in prayer ministry.

Sister died on June 25, 2022. She was 92 and in her 73rd year of religious life. Survived by her brother, Joseph, of Erie.

Memories of Sister Grace include:

What I remember most about Sister Grace is her cheerfulness throughout life. Even in her older years at Vincentian Home, she was always pleasant and so grateful to all who visited her. Her love for teaching was obvious to the end, as she often imagined she was in the classroom.

Her 90th birthday celebration is an especially good memory of her. She had a good day and really enjoyed the presence of the Sisters and relatives who were there. She recognized those in attendance and made them feel appreciated for their presence. It was a great way to remember Sister Grace and her graciousness!

Sister Grace was a humble, peace-loving, sincere soul. She meant what she said, and said what she meant. She could laugh and cry, be stern and forgiving, and silent when necessary — a truly Franciscan spirit.

Sister Grace was our principal when I was pastor. She was a great and caring principal for our parish. May she rest in peace for a long and dedicated religious life.

Sister Grace’s family was very important to her. They filled her with love that overflowed to her community and those she ministered to and lived with at Vincentian Home.

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