Sister M. Magdalen Abluz, OSF
Born: March 11, 1917
Entered: July 5, 1943
Returned to the Lord: September 9, 2011
Sister M Magdalen Abluz, OSF, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God for 68 years, died on September 9, 2011, at the congregation’s Motherhouse. She was 94 years old. A native of New Jersey, she entered the community on July 5, 1943, and professed her final vows on August 23, 1948. Sister Magdalen’s entire religious life was devoted to the art of cooking, baking and all the other culinary skills which she mastered over her many years spent in the Motherhouse kitchen as well as the cafeteria at St. Francis Academy. Sister Magdalen did, to an extent, defy the medical field in the early 2000’s. She had been diagnosed with an inoperable spine tumor, and was told that she would never walk again. But after intensive physical therapy, along with constant prayers, Sister slowly began to walk, using a walker as well as a brace. She was even able to indulge in her favorite pastime—baking cookies, homemade breads and even homemade soup. In her twilight years, she continued to contribute by crocheting hand towels to be sold in the craft shop. However, Sister Magdalen’s greatest satisfaction was as a minister of prayer. Joyfully, she was able to offer prayers for those seeking assistance while at the same time offering thanks to God for allowing her to serve Him, as well as her community, during the final days of her earthly life.
Sister Phyllis Marie Taulli, OSF
Born: September 28, 1935
Entered: November 22, 1970
Returned to the Lord: September 16, 2011
Sister Phyllis Marie Taulli, OSF, passed away at the congregation’s Motherhouse on September 16, 2011 at the age of 75. She had been a member of the congregation for 41 years. She had initially entered the community in 1957, but upon the tragic death of her brother’s wife, she left the congregation in 1965 to help him care for his young children. When her brother re-married, she asked to be re-admitted and was granted her request in 1970. At first, Sister Phyllis served as an infirmary aide as well as a laundress at the Motherhouse. In 1979, she began as a day care aide at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL, and from this time forward, her greatest love was with children in day care, wherever this ministry took her. Upon returning to Pittsburgh in 1983, she became assistant director of the new Franciscan Child Day Care Center. After a short period back in Illinois, she returned to the FCDCC as an assistant group supervisor, continuing this ministry until her health began to fail. All who knew Sister Phyllis were lavish in their praise of her dedication and commitment as a day care professional. Over the years, the community received numerous letters praising Sister’s commitment toward her small charges. Sister Phyllis’ final ministry was as a Minister of Prayer, which she began in 2008. During this time, she also continued to apply her creative skills in making items for the craft shop.
Sister M. Geraldine Bubness, OSF
Born: February 6, 1913
Entered: August 19, 1929
Returned to the Lord: September 29, 2011
Sister M. Geraldine Bubness, OSF, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God for 82 years, died at the motherhouse on September 29, 2011. Sister Geraldine was 98 years old, our eldest Sister at the time of her passing. A native of New Philadelphia, PA, in the heart of the state’s anthracite coal region, she had originally entered the congregation in 1929, a year after having enrolled in St. Francis Academy, and only seven years after the congregation’s founding. Sister Geraldine can best be described as a “teacher.” She was a teacher first, and a teacher last, having taught for over 60 years in various locations. Her longest tenure, 20 years, took place at Sts. Peter and Paul in Kearny, New Jersey. One of the highlights of her life, according to Sister Geraldine, was the gathering at the cathedral for the diocese of Newark, NJ, where she was recognized for her many years of teaching ministry. True to her calling, even after her advancing age caused her to formally retire from the classroom, she continued to tutor countless students for a number of years, particularly in higher mathematics and algebra. Sister Geraldine’s final ministry, that of the Ministry of Prayer, fulfilled another of her desires, that of having more time for prayer. The prayer ministry was vitally important to her as she once stated, “I am happy praying for others.”
Listed below are Sisters from our USA Province who have returned to our Lord in the last year. If you would like more information about a Sister, please call (412) 885-7232 or e-mail info@osfprov.org
| SISTER NAME | BORN | ENTERED | RETURNED TO OUR LORD |
| Sister Mary Lucy Astrauskas, OSF | October 29, 1918 | July 14, 1935 | January 25, 2011 |
| Sister M. Ruth Simaitis, OSF | August 7, 1919 | February 2, 1938 | April 11, 2011 |