Sister Sylvester Evan, OSF
September 14, 1909 – March 7, 2004
“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you, you are mine. You are precious in my sight … and I love you.”
These words of Isaiah were read at the Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Sylvester on March 10, 2004. They remind us that Sister is now aware of God’s deep love for her, and she rests in peace and rejoices in that love.
Sister Sylvester was born on the Feast of the Holy Cross to Joseph and Mary (Kocisko) Evan in Nanticoke, Pa., the eldest of nine children. Five days later, she was baptized with the name of Mary at St. Joseph Church. Mary attended the public school in Nanticoke from 1915 until 1922 and St. Joseph Parochial School for one year in 1923, receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. She then stayed home for two years to help her mother with the younger children. From 1925 to 1929, Mary worked in the packing department of a cigar factory.
Mary entered the aspirancy at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, Pa., in August 1929 and resumed her high school studies at Mount Assisi Academy. She began her postulancy on February 2, 1930, and entered the novitiate on August 3, 1930. After her first profession of vows on August 4, 1931, Sister remained in the Motherhouse to complete her high school studies. She pronounced her perpetual vows on August 4, 1937.
After two years of teaching at Assumption School in Jersey City, N.J., she attended Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) in Pittsburgh and then transferred to Duquesne University, also in Pittsburgh, to study pharmacy from 1935 to 1939. From 1936 to 1939, in her spare time, Sister Sylvester practiced pharmacy at Mercy Hospital. Sister graduated with high honors from Duquesne School of Pharmacy in 1938, the only woman who had up until that time received the Voos Prize for Materia Media. On October 24, 1939 she received her certification as a pharmacist from the State of Pennsylvania.
After her studies, Sister Sylvester was assigned to teach chemistry, algebra, Latin and U.S. history at Mount Assisi Academy from 1938-1943. After her own illness in 1944, Sister Sylvester was sent to Jersey City to care for another Sister who had suffered a stroke.
In subsequent years, Sister taught at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in Jersey City, N.J.; St. Theresa in Hellertown, Pa.; St. Clement in Tarentum, Pa.; Sacred Heart in Carteret, N.J.; Assumption of the Blessed Virgin in Northampton, Pa.; St. Gabriel in Stowe, Pa.; St. Stephen in Shenandoah, Pa.; St. Anthony in Webster, Mass.; SS. Cyril & Methodius in Bethlehem, Pa.; St. John Nepomucene in Guttenburg, N.J.; St. Ignatius Loyola in West Lawn, Pa.; and St. Clement in Ellsworth, Pa.
In 1955, Sister Sylvester retired to Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa., where she helped with many of the chores. She suffered a series of health problems, including a serious stroke in 1988. Her speech was labored, but she knew how to pray. When someone had any special need, they knew Sister Sylvester would pray and never forget to ask how the situation was progressing. Praying for others was her ministry. Our ministry to her was to reaffirm in her God’s special love for her.
On August 15, 2002, Sister Sylvester celebrated her 70th year of religious profession. Those present will always remember her slow, strong and very clear recommitment of her vows, bringing many to tears.
On March 7, 2004 Sister very peacefully went home to her God. We will always remember her pleas for prayers from all of us “so that she would do what is pleasing to God.” Now we, in turn, go to her and ask her to pray for us “that we may do what is right and pleasing to our God!”
Sister Sylvester is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.