NC - Spring 2021

Nazareth
SISTERS OF
THE HOLY
FAMILY OF
NAZARETH //
VOL. 15 //
NO 1 //
SPRING 2021
CONNECTIONS
FAMILY IS THE HEART OF OUR MISSION
With a
Father’s Heart
STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 6

MESSAGE FROM THE PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR
St. Joseph
A FIGURE OF HOPE
Dear Friends of Nazareth,
This past December, Pope Francis
proclaimed the Year of St. Joseph, in honor
of the 150th anniversary of Blessed
Pope Pius IX’s declaration of St. Joseph
as Patron of the Universal Church. St.
Joseph is a pivotal figure in the Catholic
faith, not only for his role as the protector
and patriarch of the Holy Family, but
also in the example he sets for all of us
in showing that even the most ordinary
people are capable of the extraordinary.
He is a figure of hope for all of us,
particularly during these difficult times.
Joseph was by most means an ordinary
man, a carpenter, betrothed to Mary and
faced with a difficult question of faith, far
greater than any he could have imagined.
And yet, he let his faith guide him and
took his place as Mary’s husband and
earthly father to the Christ child. It is easy
to see how Joseph can be considered a
paragon of faith, but it may take a little
closer look to discover how Joseph is also
a figure of great hope.
Throughout his adult life, Joseph was
confronted with moments of great fear:
fear of how he would be perceived if he
should take Mary as his bride, fear of
what the road to Bethlehem may hold
for him and his burgeoning family, fear
of Herod’s deadly decree. And yet, Joseph
greeted each of these moments not only
with faith in the Lord’s plan, but also
the great hope for the future that lay
before him. His is an example that should
resonate with all of us.
For more than a year, we have faced
our own fears and an uncertain future.
The world around us could have easily
shaken the faith we held dear, and yet,
like Joseph, we persevered. We looked
towards a brighter day with great hope
in our hearts – hope that these troubles
would someday pass, hope that our
lives could resume some semblance of
normalcy, hope that we, even as we are
ordinary people ourselves, would find
our way along the path that God had set
before us.
I leave you now with a prayer of hope,
words very much like what Joseph himself
may have thought when the angel first
visited him and spoke of the path his life
was to take. In this year of St. Joseph, let
us all fill our hearts with hope of a better
day to come.
Heavenly father, I am your humble servant,
I come before you today in need of hope.
I need hope for a calm and joyful future.
I need hope for love and kindness.
I pray for peace and safety.
Some say that the sky is at its
darkest just before the light.
I pray that this is true, for today seems
stormy and dim.
I need your light, Lord, in every way.
I pray to be filled with your light.
Help me to walk in your light, and live
my life in faith and service.
In your name I pray, Amen.
In the Holy Family,
Sister Kathleen Maciej
HOW ARE YOU CALLED TO LOVE?
We invite you to pray with us, to listen to God’s call with us and to love with us
as we find God in ordinary experiences. Learn more about our community life,
our ministries and our mission at nazarethcsfn.org/join-us. Or contact
Sr. Emmanuela Le, CSFN, National Vocation Director, at 972-641-4496 x111
or vocations@nazarethcsfn.org.
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VOLUME 15 //
NO 1 //
SPRING 2021
Nazareth Connections is published
three times a year by the Sisters of
the Holy Family of Nazareth
in the USA.
Editor:
Tammy Townsend Denny
Proofreaders:
Sr. Clare Marie Kozicki
Sr. Jude Carroll
Sr. Lucille Madura
Contents
VOCATION
4-5 I am home:
a vocation story
REFLECTION
6-9 With a Father’s Heart:
The Year of St. Joseph
10-11 Life’s Traffic Light
IN MEMORIAM
12 Sr. M. Eleanor Woods
Sr. M. Lauretta (Laura) Matusik
Sr. M. Paul (Genevieve) Rozanska
Sr. M. Susanne (Cecilia) Danoski
Sr. M. Irmina Paszkiewicz
Sr. M. Roberta Garczynska
Sr. M. Francesca Onley
DEVELOPMENT
16 Our Prayer
Remembrance Program
18 Have you thought
about your Estate Plans?
ON THE COVER:
St. Joseph in the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth’s
former St. Joseph Province chapel in Pittsburgh, circa 2002.
18
Editorial Board:
Sr. Angela Szczawinska
Sr. Barbara Frances Samp
Sr. Carol Szott
Sr. Jude Carroll
Sr. Kathleen Ann Stadler
Sr. Lucille Madura
Sr. Marcelina Mikulska
Sr. Marcella Louise Wallowicz
Sr. Mary Louise Swift
Sr. Teresilla Kolodziejczyk
Katherine Barth
Design/Print:
McDaniels Marketing
Questions, comments, suggestions?
Please contact:
Communications Department
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
310 N. River Road,
Des Plaines, IL 60016
847-298-6760, x144
ttownsend@nazarethcsfn.org
nazarethcsfn.org
facebook.com/csfn.usa
twitter.com/csfn_usa
instagram.com/csfn.usa
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
3

VOCATION
I am
home:
A VOCATION STORY
by Sr. Maria Sophia Gerlach, CSFN
A not-so-small miracle in my adult
life is that I did not stop going to
Sunday Mass when I went off to
college; nevertheless, it was not until
after I graduated that I got involved
at the Catholic Center (CC) at my
undergraduate institution. Through
the ministry of the chaplains and staff,
and through the witness of students
and fellow young professionals, God
brought me into closer relationship
with Him and kindled in my heart a
very strong desire for prayer before
Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
After a couple years of working as
a high school teacher and planning
my out-of-school hours around daily
Mass and CC activities, grabbing
moments at adoration wherever I
could, Jesus brought me to a point
where I was given the advice, “It’s
not a career question, Maria, it’s a
vocation question.” On the eve of my
25th birthday, at the Sunday vigil Mass
with friends, I prayed, “Jesus, I need to
hear what You are asking of me – how
would you have me spend my life?”
The next two years were an
interesting adventure. Fortunately,
I was able to take a year’s leave of
absence from my teaching position
and journey back to my hometown
before heading for a volunteer
stint with the Sisters of the Holy
Family of Nazareth (CSFN) at one
of our convents in Poland. I wanted
to both volunteer and try to learn
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more of the Polish language, so a
Sister involved with vocation work
connected me with a convent where I
could do both.
Meanwhile, at home, I was invited
to spend one academic quarter as a
part-time substitute teacher at my
high school, a CSFN school, of course.
During that time, the sisters there
connected with me and began inviting
me for prayers and supper in not one
but two local homes. By the time I left
for Poland and my live-in volunteer
experience, there was a definite
tugging at my heart and soul. The time
away with more time for quiet – it
helped that I could not understand a
lot that was going on around me and
You see, through it all, everything I
could imagine for my future was now
connected to this congregation, this
group of women who welcomed
me so lovingly into their midst in
every place I encountered them. Our
current US Province “tag line” – Family
is the heart of our mission – resonates
with the home where I grew up;
there was always room for one
more around the table. Hospitality, a
particular characteristic of Nazareth,
fits just right in my heart and soul. To
this day, I get excited when I find a
chapel with exposition of the Blessed
Sacrament, and I cannot fathom ever
living in a home where Jesus is not
present. I am home.
Sr. Maria Sophia on the train in
Philadelphia on her way to the World
Meeting of Families in 2015.
The Record of Final Profession that
CSFNs sign when they profess their
final vows.
Sr. Maria Sophia during the profession
of her final vows in 2016.
Sr. Maria Sophia during Mass for the
profession of her final vows in 2016.
“...and I cannot fathom ever living in a home
where Jesus is not present. I am home.”
that I had free access to the sisters’
chapel – really helped solidify things.
While I was in Poland during that
Easter season, I wrote to the vocation
director in the States to ask for
admission to the congregation.
Sr. Maria Sophia entered the
congregation in 2010, professed her first
vows in 2012 and final vows in 2016.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
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REFLECTION

With a
Father’s Heart:
THE YEAR OF ST. JOSEPH
This past December, Pope Francis
proclaimed 2021 as the Year of St.
Joseph in celebration of the 150th
anniversary of Blessed Pope Pius IX’s
declaration of St. Joseph as Patron of
the Universal Church. He also issued
the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (With
a Father’s Heart) which describes St.
Joseph’s role as “a tender and loving
father” who showed courage and
humility.
St. Joseph was the patriarch of the
Holy Family, their provider and
protector. His faith in God allowed
him to go against the cultural norm
of his time and accept Mary as his
bride, caring for her and the young
Jesus when many might have cast
them out. God is our Father in heaven,
but Joseph stands as an example
to all fathers here on Earth, a quiet
and comforting presence providing
strength and humility to their children.
As Pope Francis tells us in his Patris
Corde, “Fathers are not born, but
made. A man does not become a
father simply by bringing a child
into the world, but by taking up
the responsibility to care for that
child. Whenever a man accepts
responsibility for the life of another,
in some way he becomes a father to
that person.” In accepting Jesus as his
son on Earth, Joseph paved the way
for all of us to find acceptance in the
Kingdom of God.
Pope Francis goes on to write, “Joseph
is certainly not passively resigned, but
courageously and firmly proactive.
In our own lives, acceptance and
welcome can be an expression of the
Holy Spirit’s gift of fortitude. Only
the Lord can give us the strength
needed to accept life as it is, with all
its contradictions, frustrations and
disappointments.”
During this Year of St. Joseph, our
sisters are spending time deepening
their relationship with St. Joseph
through prayer and study. The
following are two reflections that have
resulted from our year dedicated to
celebrating St. Joseph.
JOSEPH SEEKING
ASYLUM
by Sr. Catherine Fedewa, CSFN
I love to see the way filmmakers
depict the relationship with Joseph
and Mary. Most depict Joseph as being
attracted to or in love with Mary, not
viewing theirs as an arranged marriage
which it might very well have been. I
prefer the former… why else would
Joseph be in such a dilemma when
he discovered Mary’s pregnancy?
But, as guided by his dream, he made
that commitment and then found a
whole other level of depth to their
relationship. He would take her into
continued on next page...
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
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strength to care for and protect his
family.
I couldn’t help wonder if it was to
the United States today that Joseph
and his family were fleeing, would
they pass the credible fear test of
the Border Control to qualify them
to seek asylum? Or would they be
summarily dismissed and deported
back to their country of origin, despite
the dangers that would await them?
JOSEPH THE EXILE
IN EGYPT
by Sr. Jane Frances Malaczewski, CSFN
his home and care for, protect and
defend his new bride (and their child).
So many details are missing from
Scripture, so I continue to use my
imaginative prayer and reflect on what
that early life meant for them. Did
they start out in Joseph’s home in
Bethlehem or did they have to travel
there for the census? How long was
it before the magi came to visit them?
And when was Joseph informed (again
in a dream) to flee, to leave their
home and their family behind, to “get
out of town” before danger caught up
with them?
Immigrants on the move, that was
what this little family became. We see
so many fathers today doing exactly
what Joseph had to do…pack up their
family, their belongings and flee…far
“We see so many fathers today doing exactly what
Joseph had to do…pack up their family, their
belongings and flee…far away, on foot (and maybe
donkey), to a strange country, a strange culture, a
strange language.”
away, on foot (and maybe donkey), to
a strange country, a strange culture,
a strange language. And once there,
would they be accepted? Where
would they live? Would Joseph find
work? He was now responsible for
something he never planned for. But
like so many immigrants today, he
had faith. Did he understand that his
stepson was the Son of God? I don’t
think so, but he knew that God was
guiding him, that God would continue,
one day at a time, to give him the
Humble and obedient to the will of
God, St. Joseph did not question, only
pondered what God asked of him.
His pondering made him such a great
saint. To me, his life was a life of love
and self-forgetfulness. His actions,
not words, spoke of his love for Jesus
and Mary—his family. He truly was a
loving protector of this family. To keep
his family safe, he even, without any
hesitation, traveled to Egypt to escape
the wrath of King Herod. To me, this is
LOVE in the highest form.
In my own life, I don’t remember the
beginning of my tatulek’s [daddy] life,
only what my mamusia [mommy]
told me. From her recollection, I can
truly say that my tatulek walked in
the footprints of St. Joseph. No, he did
not migrate from Poland to Egypt, but
from Poland to Cleveland, Ohio. Why?
I will try to explain. Rumors were
spreading about a war. Tatulek did not
hesitate; he prayed and took action.
He wrote a letter to his aunt (his
mother’s sister) in Cleveland, asking
for an invitation to come to the U.S.A
with his family. The invite came within
a few months—but only for Tatulek.
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The reason why only for him was
simple. Tatulek was a citizen of the US
and Mamusia was not; she was a Polish
citizen. Tatulek was born in Cleveland
and at the age of six, his parents and
their children returned to Poland due
to poverty in the US from the Great
Depression. They settled on a farm
belonging to his grandparents. Here,
Tatulek lived and at the age of twentytwo,
was married on May 22, 1938.
Because of his decision to migrate
and the “invite” from his aunt, Tatulek
with a sad heart, left his family and
came alone to Cleveland. Life was
very hard for Tatulek without us. He
lived with his aunt, for a time, until he
got a job and began getting paid for it.
That’s when life got even harder. His
aunt made him pay for the meals he
ate and for rent. Because of this, and
his health, Tatulek could not help us as
much as he wanted. Also, World War
II started in 1939. His dream did not
come true until nine years later when
as a family we were united together
once again.
In my life, I believe I am also following
in the footprints of St. Joseph. I was
asked to go to places unknown to
me. I was changed from Michigan
to Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh to Erie,
Pennsylvania, to Cleveland and back
to Pittsburgh. I had no idea what
awaited me, but I trusted God and my
leadership teams. With God’s help and
His protection, I am in the community
for sixty-three years, and can truly say
every convent was and is a “home”
for me; a place of acceptance, respect,
understanding and love.
In St. Joseph, let us take refuge all the
days of our life!
Sr. Josephine Garrett with her uncle
who raised her “with a father’s heart.”
Photo taken at her final vows in 2020.
Sr. Catherine Fedewa at the 2018
Archdiocese of Chicago Annual
Posada for Immigration Reform.
Sr. Jane Frances Malaczewski, left,
with Sr. Carol Szott, right, rang
their Nazareth chimes on Poland’s
Constitution Day in 2020 in honor
of healthcare workers. Both sisters
are wearing shirts with an eagle, the
national emblem of Poland.
Sr. Catherine in 2020 for the “Run/
Walk for Refugee Kids” sponsored by
Exodus World Service. She raised over
$500 for refugee children.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
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NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
11

In Memoriam
Sr. M. Eleanor
Woods
April 20, 1936 -
November 14,
2020
Sr. Eleanor was a
woman of deep
faith and love for God. She loved the
outdoors and was an avid sports fan.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut on
April 20, 1936, she was the oldest
of seven children. She attended St.
Stanislaus Elementary School and
Wilbur Cross High School both in
New Haven. After graduating from
high school, she worked for a year as
a secretary at Yale University Press
before entering the Sisters of the
Holy Family of Nazareth in 1955. She
credited the CYO (Catholic Youth
Organization) in her parish with
planting the seed of her vocation
to religious life. Upon entering the
novitiate in 1956, Eleanor received
the name Sr. Mary Charlotte. She
later returned to her baptismal name.
She professed final vows in 1964.
She began her education ministry as
a third grade teacher in St. Adalbert
School, Elmhurst, New York. Feeling
the inner call to be a missionary,
she later volunteered to serve in
our Santa Cruz, Peru mission. After
earning a BA in education, she spent
four months in Ponce, Puerto Rico
for an intensive Spanish course before
arriving in Peru in December 1964.
She fell in love with the people of
Peru, their land, their culture and
their gracious spirit.
After Peru, Sr. Eleanor taught
Spanish at St. Mary’s High School in
Worcester, Massachusetts where
she also started a physical education
program. She also served as principal
of St. Peter Claver School in Brooklyn,
New York. She later transitioned to
the role of pastoral minister at St.
Peter Claver Parish. After receiving
her certification as a spiritual director,
Sr. Eleanor was appointed director
at the House of Prayer in Riverhead,
New York. Through the years, she
also served as director of religious
education at Our Lady of the
Presentation and Our Lady of Loreto
in Brooklyn, chaplain with Momentum
AIDS Project of Manhattan, and
chaplain at the NYS Veteran’s Home
in St. Albans, Queens, New York.
Sr. Eleanor retired from her
ministry in June 2013 and moved to
Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent,
Monroe, Connecticut.
Sr. Eleanor’s declining health may have
lessened her physical and mental
capabilities but it did not take away
her pleasant disposition, her beautiful
smile and her acceptance of all
persons. Sr. Eleanor died as she lived,
peacefully and calmly, on the evening
of November 14, 2020. Her interment
was private.
Sr. M. Lauretta
(Laura) Matusik
May 1, 1922 -
January 1, 2021
Born May 1, 1922
in Jamaica, New
York to John and
Katherine Poska Matusik and baptized
at St. Joseph Church, Laura grew up
sharing the joys and triumphs of a big
family.
Laura and her siblings were educated
at St. Joseph School by the Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth. She
attended and graduated from John
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Adams Public High School. Quite
adept in the business world, she
worked in government jobs until she
entered the Congregation at 30 years
old on January 13, 1952. She professed
final vows on August 11, 1960.
She was a member of the first
graduating class at Holy Family
College (now Holy Family University),
graduating with a BA in 1958. She
went on to earn an MA at Marywood
College in 1968.
Following a brief time at Sacred
Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Scranton,
Pennsylvania, Sr. Lauretta began her
life-long love of teaching the young
women at Nazareth Academy High
School in Philadelphia as a teacher, a
mentor, and a friend to so many young
women. She taught there for 42 years.
In 1997, Sr. Lauretta retired from her
position at Nazareth Academy High
School, but her heart remained there.
Her students continued to keep in
touch with her. In retirement, Sr.
Lauretta served as the receptionist
and took care of the mail delivery
at the provincial offices. Collecting
canceled stamps for the missions,
clipping coupons for those in need,
and corresponding with family and
friends were daily activities that
followed her when she moved to
Mount Nazareth in Philadelphia
in 2007. She never missed an
opportunity to support one of her
sisters who was in need of her
thoughtful notes and promise of
prayer. She also treasured the love of
her family and friends.
Sr. Lauretta passed away on January
1, 2021, on the feast of Our Lady, at
Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia. Her
interment was private.
Sr. M. Paul
(Genevieve)
Rozanska
June 5, 1934 -
January 13, 2021
Sr. Paul was a
clever, talented,
and knowledgeable woman who
centered her life on prayer. She had a
humble and quiet nature. Sr. Paul was
an avid and knowledgeable fan of the
paintings of Thomas Kincaid as well
as the music of violinist Andre Rieu.
In the everyday, she could often be
found completing puzzles, watching
Columbo, and enjoying the occasional
5th Avenue candy bar.
Born on June 5, 1934, she was
baptized at St. John Cantius Parish in
Philadelphia. The only child of Paul
and Genevieve Rozanski, she attended
the parish school and later enrolled
at Nazareth Academy High School.
She was received as a postulant and
novice and made her first profession
of vows on July 3, 1952 and her
final vows on August 12, 1958. Sr.
Paul received a BA at Holy Family
College (now Holy Family University)
in Philadelphia and an MS in math
education from Marywood College
(now Marywood University) in
Scranton, Pennsylvania. She taught at
Our Lady of Czestochowa and Little
Flower High School in Philadelphia
as well as St. Anthony in Throop,
Pennsylvania and Colegio Espiritu
Santo in Puerto Rico. Sr. Paul also was
fluent in Spanish and Polish.
She served as the director of
postulants from 1968 to 1971.
Introducing these young women
to life in our congregation was not
always the easiest job. At times, the
postulants felt her expectations were
too high, yet they knew in their hearts
that she just wanted them to be the
best they could be. According to
one of these postulants, she always
reminded them to “live on the third
floor of faith,” a phrase she quoted
from a book she used for readings:
Keys to the Third Floor by Philip Dion.
Sr. Paul also served as treasurer at
Holy Family University. She retired
from the finance office at the
university when she was 79.
She carried a quiet affection for
everyone in her life. Holidays
presented special opportunities for Sr.
Paul to engage with those she cared
about. At Halloween, she always found
a clever costume to dress up in and
entertained her students and staff.
Sr. Paul also enjoyed making special
cookies at Christmas and “jelly eggs”
at Easter. She often went out of her
way to give of herself to make others
smile.
On the afternoon of January 13, 2021,
Sr. Paul quietly went back to the Lord
and His Mother at Nazareth Hospital
in Philadelphia. The interment was
private.
Sr. M. Susanne
(Cecilia)
Danoski
May 20, 1936 –
January 17, 2021
Cecilia was born
on May 20, 1936.
Her parents, Joseph and Catherine,
had Cecilia baptized on the feast of
the Visitation at St. Adalbert Church
in Elmhurst, New York. She entered
St. Adalbert’s Elementary School, then
pursued her education at Nazareth
Academy High School and Holy Family
College in Philadelphia. On January
11, 1953, Cecilia entered the Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth where
she became a novice, receiving the
name Sr. Susanne. She received her
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
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master’s degree in French from Seton
Hall University in South Orange, New
Jersey.
Her ministry of teaching took her
across several states from St. Mary’s
in Massachusetts to St. Joseph’s and
St. Stanislaus in Connecticut to St.
Joseph’s in New Jersey, and finally to
St. Stanislaus, and Holy Cross, coming
full circle to her home parish of St.
Adalbert’s in New York. After thirty
years in teaching, Sr. Susanne became
a student again, this time studying to
be a hospital chaplain. She ministered
at St. Charles Hospital in New York
and St. Francis Medical Center in
New Jersey. Sr. Susanne was one
of the first National Association
of Catholic Chaplains (NACC)
certified chaplains. After serving as
a secretary in a diocesan ministry
in New Jersey, she retired to Mount
Nazareth in Philadelphia in 2013.
Her determination and perseverance
enabled her to acclimate to her
surroundings at this time in her life.
In her retirement, Sr. Susanne
enjoyed watching EWTN daily. She
had a dry sense of humor and a
funny way of describing challenging
situations that uplifted many of the
sisters in her local community. Her
kindness to those who serviced her
in any way did not go unnoticed. This
kindness was a virtue that was part
and parcel of her life. She was long
known for remembering friends and
acquaintances on important days, a
generosity that was also extended
to the poor. Many of these acts of
kindness were done without the
knowledge of others.
On the afternoon of January 17, Sr.
Susanne quietly went back to the Lord
at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia.
The interment was private.
Sr. M. Irmina
(Evelyn)
Paszkiewicz
September 28,
1929 – January
27, 2021
From a loving
home on the East Coast of the US, Sr.
Irmina (Evelyn Frances) Paszkiewicz
began a journey that can only be
compared to that of our foundress,
Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good
Shepherd, who left Poland for Rome,
Italy, and then eventually the US.
Evelyn Frances was born in Baltimore,
Maryland to Thomas and Frances
Paszkiewicz on September 28,
1929. She graduated from Sacred
Heart of Mary School and headed
to Nazareth Academy High School
in Philadelphia. Entering the Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth in
1947, she pronounced her first vows
in 1949 and her final vows in 1955.
Receiving her BA from Holy Family
College (now Holy Family University)
provided the foundation for Sr. Irmina
to begin a worldwide ministry. Her
ministry as a teacher led her to
St. John Cantius, St. Adalbert, and
Nazareth Academy Grade School in
Philadelphia. Her next set of travels
took her to Colegio Espiritu Santo
in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, where she
continued her role of teacher.
In 1962, Sr. Irmina traveled to the
Holy Spirit Province in Australia
where she served in a variety of
ministries including teacher, aspirant
directress, superior, principal, assistant
provincial, and provincial treasurer.
In 1981, she left Australia to return
to her home parish of Sacred Heart
of Mary in Baltimore. At this time,
she also cared for her aging parents
who lived across the street from
the parish office. Sr. Irmina treasured
her family. Through the years, she
taught at St. Gregory’s in Plantation,
Florida; Visitation BVM in Trooper,
Pennsylvania; and, Queen of Peace in
Ardsley, Pennsylvania.
Sr. Irmina also journeyed to
the Philippines to oversee the
construction of the Holy Family of
Nazareth School. Her legacy remains
in the Philippines where the school
stands as a silent witness to her zeal
and dedication. Her last assignment
was aiding our sisters on the
infirmary floor of Mount Nazareth
in Philadelphia. Quietly stepping in
to help out, whether to deliver a
tray, hand out mail, or just pray with
a sister in pain, were qualities that
defined Sr. Irmina.
On the morning of January 27,
2021, Sr. Irmina went quietly back
to the Lord at Nazareth Hospital,
Philadelphia. The interment was
private.
Sr. M. Roberta
(Dolores)
Garczynska
March 2, 1929
– February 22,
2021
Sr. Roberta
(Dolores) Garczynska was a woman
imbued with the spirit of prayer.
Faithful to her religious vocation, she
was one of the first sisters in chapel
every morning. She believed strongly
in the power of prayer often asking
sisters to pray for her and promising
her prayer in return. Sr. Roberta had
a deep love and devotion to Our
Blessed Mother and the Martyred
Sisters. Close to her family, she kept
in touch with her nieces and nephew
through telephone conversations and
visits. An avid reader, her days were
spent perusing the daily newspaper,
the latest religious newspapers, and
spiritual books. She enjoyed sharing
14

what she had learned with the sisters
with whom she lived. Her smile
attracted many people to confide in
her.
Dolores was born in Clifton,
Pennsylvania, the eldest of two
children born to John and Anna
Garczynski. She attended St. Charles
Elementary School before enrolling
in Nazareth Academy High School
in Philadelphia. After graduating,
she entered the Sisters of the Holy
Family of Nazareth in 1947. She
professed her first vows in 1950 and
her final vows in 1956. She graduated
from Holy Family University with a
bachelor’s degree in science, and from
Villanova University with a master’s
degree in secondary science.
Sr. Roberta taught for many years,
ministering to children at St. Adalbert
School in Elmhurst, New York; SS.
Cyril and Methodius School, St.
Stanislaus Kostka School, and Bishop
Ford High School in Brooklyn, New
York; St. Stephen School in Paterson,
New Jersey; and St. Joseph School in
Ansonia, Connecticut. She was also
an adjunct professor at St. John’s
University in Jamaica, New York.
However, it was at St. Mary’s School,
Worcester, Massachusetts, where
she spent 27 years as a high school
teacher and later as principal of the
elementary school. Sr. Roberta was
also an accomplished organist, often
filling the position of organist in the
parishes where she ministered. She
retired from active ministry in 2004.
On the afternoon of February 22,
Sr. Roberta quietly went back to the
Lord at Immaculate Heart of Mary
Convent in Monroe, Connecticut. The
interment was private.
Sr. M. Francesca
(Patricia) Onley
March 4, 1933 -
April 17, 2021
Sr. Francesca
(Patricia) Onley
was born on
March 4, 1933 to Edward and Marie
Onley. Always a force with which to
be reckoned, she exuded strength,
wisdom and a spirit of Nazareth in all
she did. Baptized in St. Joachim Church
in Philadelphia, she and her siblings,
Joan (later to be known as Sr. Michael),
David, and Edward were a close-knit
family who later became parishioners
of St. Matthew Church.
She became familiar with our sisters
when she was a volunteer at Nazareth
Hospital. At Nazareth Academy High
School, she was mentored by many
of our sisters particularly, Sr. Benedict
Jaskiewicz. Patricia entered the Sisters
of the Holy Family of Nazareth shortly
after graduation. She became a novice
and then pronounced her first vows in
1953 in Torresdale, Pennsylvania.
Higher education for Sr. Francesca
began with a BA in business at Holy
Family College (now Holy Family
University), followed by an MA in
business and secondary education at
Marywood University, and finally a
Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University
in higher education administration.
She began her education ministry at
Nazareth Academy Grade School in
Philadelphia as a fourth-grade teacher.
She went on to teach science and
serve as a guidance counselor and
later principal at Nazareth Academy
High School also in Philadelphia.
In 1980, she was asked to serve as
assistant to the president of Holy
Family College under Sr. Lillian Budny,
CSFN, PhD. In 1981, Sr. Francesca
was appointed the fourth president
of the college to replace Sr. Lillian
upon her retirement. At the college,
Sr. Francesca was distinguished by
her leadership ability and gained
the respect of those who worked
with her, earning numerous awards
and overseeing many advancements
including the transition of the college
to a university.
Prayer was central to her life. Even
after retiring from Holy Family
University, she was present at Delaney
Hall for the 6:15 am Mass and
recitation of Morning Prayer. Whether
answering the door or cleaning the
Community Room, she was always
available to anyone who needed her
help. She never missed a community
gathering whether it was a meeting,
jubilee, profession, funeral, or chapter
meeting. Her concern for all her
fellow sisters exhibited itself as she
would always ask how one was doing
in school or ministry and she would
listen attentively.
On April 17, 2021 at Nazareth
Hospital in Philadelphia, Sr. Francesca
quietly went back to the Lord. Her
funeral Mass was celebrated April
25 at St. Katherine of Siena Catholic
Church in Philadelphia.
Donations in memory of
a deceased sister may be
mailed to Development
Office, Sisters of the Holy
Family of Nazareth, 310
N. River Rd., Des Plaines,
IL 60016. Please include a
note with the name of the
Sister in whose memory
you are giving. Donations
may also be made online at
nazarethcsfn.org/donate.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
15

DEVELOPMENT
We Invite You to
Participate in Our Prayer
Remembrance Program
When a relative, friend, or loved one passes away, celebrates a birthday or
anniversary, or is experiencing ill-health, you can express your sentiments, honor
them in a meaningful way, and offer a gift to the Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth. Those you choose to honor will share in the spiritual works and
prayer of the Sisters, and be remembered during daily liturgy and a special Mass
each month. Their name will also be placed in the Prayer Remembrance book
located in the chapel at our Provincialate House. Contributions to the Prayer
Remembrance program are used to help care for our elderly and infirmed
Sisters, as well as those who continue to minister for and with families.
If you would like to participate in the Prayer Remembrance program, order from
our website (nazarethcsfn.org/donate/request-spiritual-greeting-cards) or call us
at 847-298-6760 x. 143; email us at csfn_development@nazarethcsfn.org;
or write us at Development Office, Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth,
310 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016-1211. We will send you as many greeting
cards as you would like, so you can send them to your relatives or friends, as
well as a convenient reply envelope for your contribution.
GET WELL CARD
Verse:
May God bless you
and keep you
in His loving care.
THANK YOU
CARD
Verse:
Thank you so much.
Your kindness is truly
appreciated.
MEMORIAL CARD
Verse:
Let not your hearts be troubled.
Believe in God; believe
also in me. In my Father’s
house are many rooms. If it
were not so, would I have told
you that I go to prepare a
place for you? And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will
come again and will take you
to myself, that where I am you may be
also. And you know the way to where
I am going.
~John 14:1-4
16

GENERAL PRAYER
CARD
Verse:
O Holy Family, bless and
protect all the families of
the world; safeguard them
in every way. Enable
everyone to be faithful to
their baptismal call to
holiness. Grant us the
grace to see God in the
simple and ordinary
moments in our lives, so
that we may give
ourselves in service to
others. Amen.
BIRTHDAY CARD
Verse:
May the Holy Family bless you with
birthday joy and cheer.
May the gifts of love and peace
be yours today and throughout
the coming year.
ANNIVERSARY
CARD
Verse:
Happy Anniversary
God bless and enrich
the love you share
with each other.
THINKING OF YOU
CARD
Verse:
Just a note to let
you know that I am
thinking of you.
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
17

DEVELOPMENT
There are many ways to leave a
legacy, but charitable bequests and
beneficiary designations through
Wills and Trusts are among the most
popular. Why? Because these types of
gifts allow you to retain full control
and use of your property throughout
your lifetime, and you are not locked
into a commitment. You may change
your mind at any time.
Would you consider making the
Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
a beneficiary of all or a portion of
your estate, after leaving specific gifts
to loved ones? It’s easy to do, and you
don’t need to be wealthy to do it -
you just need to love our Sisters and
want to support our mission.
Have you thought
about your Estate
Plans?
by Katherine Barth, Director of
Development
Your faithful, generous support over
the years clearly indicates your love
for our Sisters and your commitment
to our ministries to families. For all
you are to us, we are grateful!
With this in mind, have you ever
considered leaving a bequest to
the Sisters of the Holy Family of
Nazareth?
I ask this question because it’s so
important that every family have
thoughtful estate plans so they
can determine how to share their
assets with their family, their friends,
and organizations they care about.
Without a Will, state laws may go into
effect that distribute your estate in a
very impersonal way.
Through your bequest gifts, you
can create a living memorial that
perpetuates good works. These gifts
ensure the sustainability of your
beloved organizations in a way that
makes your core values known to
others. Generations to come will
benefit from your gifts. Additionally,
you can choose how you want each
bequest gift to be used.
When you remember the Sisters of
the Holy Family of Nazareth in your
estate plan, you become eligible for
membership in the Nazareth Legacy
Society. This society is composed
of generous and forward-thinking
donors, just like you, who have made
the decision to support our long-term
success through a bequest gift.
Whether you name the Sisters of
the Holy Family of Nazareth as the
beneficiary or not, I encourage you
to consult with your financial advisor
to discuss the options. Please make
sure you have a Will that provides for
those you love. And if you decide to
leave a bequest gift to the Sisters of
the Holy Family of Nazareth, please
let us know so that we can thank you
properly.
If you haven’t yet considered a Will
or other estate plans, we offer a free
booklet, Better Estate Planning, to
help get you started. If you would like
this free booklet, just complete the
form on page 19 and return it to our
Development Office. I’ll get it mailed
out to you right away.
18

PLANNED GIVING/LEGACY SOCIETY REPLY FORM
Confidential Reply
(Check all that apply)
I have remembered the CSFNs in my
____ Will
____ Annuity
____ Charitable Trust
____ Life Insurance Policy
____ Retirement Plan
Please enroll me in the Nazareth Legacy Society;
____ I give permission to publish my name.
____ Please do not publish my name.
____ Please send me a complimentary copy of the booklet, “Better Estate Planning.”
____ Please contact me. I am considering including the CSFNs in my estate plans, but I have some questions.
Please complete the following and return it to:
Katherine Barth, CSFN Development Office, 310 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016.
___________________________________________________________
Name
___________________________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________________________
City
___________________________________________________________
State
Zip Code
___________________________________________________________
Phone
___________________________________________________________
Email
This information is strictly confidential.
To receive the free, no obligation booklet, “Better Estate Planning,” please complete the attached form and
return it to:
Katherine Barth
Development Director
310 N. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
kbarth@nazarethcsfn.org
847-298-6760, ext. 143
NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SPRING 2021
19

310 N River Rd.
Des Plaines, IL 60016
www.nazarethcsfn.org
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Paid
Rockford, IL
Permit No. 2495
HAVE YOU ALREADY REMEMBERED
THE CSFNS IN YOUR WILL?
Then you’re invited to join Nazareth Legacy Society, a group created
to recognize friends just like you who have let us know that they have
remembered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in their Wills or
Estate Plans.
In appreciation for your future gift, you will be remembered in the daily
prayers of our Sisters. You will also receive a certificate denoting your
membership in the Nazareth Legacy Society and receive a special Holy
Family key ring available only to Nazareth Legacy Society members. Your
name also will be inscribed on a special plaque in our Provincialate in Des Plaines, IL. Informing our Development Office
that you have remembered our Sisters in your future plans automatically entitles you to membership in this special
Society! But we won’t enroll you as a member without your permission.
It’s simple to join! Just complete the form on page 19 and return it to CSFN Development Office, 310 N. River Road,
Des Plaines, IL 60016. Or if you prefer, you may contact Katherine Barth at kbarth@nazarethcsfn.org or 847-298-6760,
ext. 143 and let her know that you would like to be a member.
Thank you for including our Sisters in your Estate Plans. We are grateful for your faithful, caring support.
We, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, are called to extend the Kingdom of God’s love among ourselves and
others by living the spirit of Jesus, Mary and Joseph whose lives were centered in the love of God and one another.
We witness to this love through dedicated service to the Church, especially in ministry to the family.