Sister Norberta Kralosky, OSF

november 23, 1928 - june 14, 2022

Sister M. Norberta Kralosky (Veronica), a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, died on June 14, 2022, at Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 93 and in her 75th year of religious profession.

Veronica was born to Andrew and Anna (Szabo) Kralosky on November 23, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pa.  She was one of six children in a devoutly Catholic Slovak family.  Her father was a laborer and her mother a caring wife and mother to their four girls and two boys. Veronica and her family were members of St. Gabriel Archangel Parish on the Northside of Pittsburgh. She attended the parish elementary school and then Mount Assisi Academy for her high school education. At Mount Assisi, she was known for her outstanding basketball skills. 

Veronica entered the community from St. Gabriel Parish in 1945 and was received into the novitiate a year later at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, where she was given the name of Sister Norberta.  She professed her first vows in 1947 at Mount Assisi Convent, and was assigned to St. Mark Parish School in McKees Rocks. Her final profession was in 1952. 

Sister Norberta held a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) in Pittsburgh, and a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University, also in Pittsburgh.

During her years of ministry, Sister Norberta taught and was a principal in various elementary schools in the Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Erie dioceses.  She later ministered as teacher and then director of several parish religious education programs in those dioceses and the Archdiocese of San Antonio.  Sister served as the principal of a parish preschool for a number of years and then worked as a manager for Christian Housing Ministries in several Pittsburgh senior high rises.  After returning to Mount Assisi Convent to do community service, she spent her remaining years at Mount Assisi Place as a faithful participant in prayer ministry.

Sister Norberta was preceded in death by her parents, Anna (Szabo) and Andrew Kralosky; her brothers, Frank Kralosky and Steve Kralosky; and her sisters, Anne (Golen), Margaret (Suchy), and Mary (Kruly). She is survived by her religious community; her sister-in-law, Florence Hursen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

At the time of her death Sister Norberta was preparing to celebrate her 75th Anniversary of profession, and was looking forward to seeing her family members, who would often organize a yearly family gathering around the time of her birthday, which was near Thanksgiving.  However, God had other plans for her celebration.  

Sister Norberta is remembered by the Sisters, coworkers, former students and caregivers with the following:

What I remember most about Sister Norberta was her desire to make your day brighter by sharing a joke or short story, which she collected to save for the right occasion.  She often told this to a person directly or would send it in a note. My encounters with her were always positive.  She gave me many encouraging words, and somehow knew exactly what I needed to hear to make my day better.  Her greatest sorrow in her aging was the loss of hearing, mainly because it cut her off from real interaction with others. Yet she still always had a smile for all who crossed her path.

I remember Sister Norberta for her great love of family.  Her only means of communication was her email, and she would send out letters to both family and friends.  Her frustration came when she would hit the wrong buttons on the computer and lose her long composition.  One of the sisters was usually able to retrieve the saved copy, and Sister Norberta could not be happier.  She always prayed for anyone who helped her in any way.

I remember Sister Norberta for her words of wisdom, sense of humor, witty words, and that sly little smile she gave when she was about to tell a joke.  She was able to put anyone at ease when times were hard, and she patiently endured her own handicaps. She had a deep spirit of prayer and was always grateful for anything that was done for her.

Sister Norberta was a great community member, always part of “giving life” to whatever we were doing.  When visiting her at Mount Assisi Place, I’d bring treats to share while we talked.  One time I brought her a milkshake to enjoy.  I saw no need to bring one for myself, but she insisted that I have half of it and found a cup to put it in.  From then on, I knew that whatever I brought for her, I needed one, too!  She would never gossip about anyone or stay around to hear any gossip.  She enjoyed reading books that had a thought for the day, and then would let me borrow them to read. 

I worked with Sister Norberta and remember her well. I have lost contact with her in these last few years. But she touched my life in many ways! I know the Lord is blessing her for her many years of faithful service.

Sister Norberta was my seventh-grade teacher.  She was a marvelous teacher, and had the greatest sense of humor of all the Sisters that I encountered.  She was such a joy, and I know that she will be bringing joy in heaven to all those with whom she is spending eternity.

My friend … I loved Sister Norberta’s smile and great sense of humor.  I’m thankful for the blessing of her life intersecting with mine.

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