On Oct. 11, 2022, Sister Pauline (Renita) Kadilak passed away at The Waters of Wexford. She was 10 days short of celebrating her 103rd birthday. Family and friends gathered often to celebrate her birthdays and jubilees with her. Sister Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Kadilak and Bertha Ciberi, both born in Czechoslovakia; brothers Joseph, Stephen, Robert and infant brother Andy; and sisters, Margaret and Agnes. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins (and their families), as well as many close friends. Sister Pauline was born in Midland, Pa., and was a 1937 graduate of Mt. Alvernia High School in Millvale. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, and began her ministry in 1938. For many years, she taught elementary and junior high students in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, New Castle and Puerto Rico. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University and took classes in theology and religious education at Catholic University of Puerto Rico as well as Divine Word International Centre of Religious Education in Ottawa, Canada (diploma in 1972). She became proficient in speaking Spanish. In 1972, she began her years of ministry in religious education, parish ministry, formation and pastoral ministry in the Pittsburgh area, Puerto Rico and St. Croix (St. Ann parish). Many of her years in pastoral ministry were at St. Jerome Parish in Charleroi, now Mary, Mother of the Church. From 1986-88 she ministered as a religious education coordinator, followed by parish minister until 1993. The people and the parish remained close to her heart. As the 21st century arrived, Sister Pauline could be found ministering in pastoral care at Jameson Vista South in New Castle from 2003-05. In 2005, she began her congregational service at Mt. Alvernia, a ministry marked by prayer with and for others. Recently, she joined with the Sisters in her memory care unit as they gathered each day for Rosary and prayer. Sister Pauline had a passion for living, witnessed by her gracious smile. She was a Franciscan woman in love with the Lord, all people and all creation. Viewing will be held from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at St. Aidan’s Parish, St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford. Funeral Mass will be at 1 p.m. with interment at Mt. Alvernia Cemetery to follow. Professional services trusted to D’ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, 225 Greenfield Parkway, Suite 208, Liverpool, NY 13088.
