Lives rooted in community - The Sisters of St. Francis

in prayerful memory
Sister Lorraine Hahn
May 18, 1914 – August 9, 2011
She followed her two older sisters in
joining the congregation and spent her
years of ministry in education teaching
religion and math. Sister Lorraine also
served as principal at Sacred Heart School
in Emsworth, Pa. She had a special place
in her heart for the little children, and after retiring from
the classroom, ministered at Mount Alvernia Day Care
and Learning Center. When she joined the sisters in prayer
ministry, Sister Lorraine enjoyed some of her favorite
pastimes — reading, working puzzles, word searches and
computer games. A former student and celebrant of her
funeral liturgy, Father James Bachner, paid her tribute saying
that she was always loving, kind and fair.
Sister Dolores Ann May
March 14, 1020 – August 9, 2011
A very gifted woman, Sister Dolores Ann
was also very generous with her gifts. She
gave of herself in a variety of ministries as
teacher, administrator, guidance counselor
and superior. She is especially remembered
for her 12 years as director of novices in
Williamsville, N.Y. which speaks so well of who she was
as a Franciscan woman religious. She led the novices with
wisdom and humor, always trying to help them to lead a
balanced life. Grounded in a deep life of prayer, she was an
example to all. May she now know the fulfillment of her
own call to be one with God.
Sister Judith Miller
May 7, 1927 – August 10, 2011
The joy of her life was teaching and
working with young children. For 49
years she taught in the primary grades in
Hamburg, Tonawanda, Buffalo, Swormville,
Bowmansville and Williamsville, N.Y. Sister
Judith had many loves and ways of being
open to God and celebrating God’s love. She loved her
family, the outdoors and nature. When she was able, she
walked and prayed outside. Sister Judith taught those among
her to be true to their own special ways of knowing and
celebrating God’s love in their lives. She encouraged us to
simply be ourselves before God.
18 FrAnciscAn spirit
Sister Mary Gregoria Wong
July 21, 1932 – August 13, 2011
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Sister Mary
Gregoria received a bachelor’s degree
from the University of Hawaii and a
master’s degree from Scranton University
in Scranton, Pa. As an educator she taught
in Hawaii, as well as in Utica, Baldwinsville
and Albany, N.Y. For nearly 30 years, she ministered in
St. Margaret Parish in Mattydale, N.Y. where she is fondly
remembered. There she filled the role of teacher, librarian,
tutor and loyal member of the faculty and church choir.
Her smile and willing hands were always ready to serve.
The parishioners described her as a humble woman of
God saying that her goodness will live on in our hearts.
Sister M. Prudentia Ladiski
September 20, 1913 – August 27, 2011
Sister Prudentia entered the congregation
in 1930 and spent her years of ministry
as a teacher and principal in New York,
New Jersey and Ohio. The years she spent
as an educator enabled her to influence
the lives of many children. At the time of
her 50 th jubilee these words were written about her: Sister
Prudentia held to her God who was her way, her truth and
her life. Sister Prudentia was faithful to her vocation and her
community. She never flinched in the face of difficulties and
opposition, nor did she ever swerve from her commitment
and dedication to her Lord.
Sister Cecilia Rotthoff
September 20, 1918 – August 29, 2011
For most of her religious life, Sister
Cecilia taught in the elementary and junior
high grades. In 1995, she was one of 20
recipients (out of 600) of the “Thanks to
Teacher” program sponsored by KDKA-
TV in Pittsburgh, Pa. After leaving
the classroom, she found a niche in pastoral care at
St. Francis Medical Center where she visited, prayed with
and comforted patients. Following this, Sister Cecilia found
a new niche in Mount Alvernia Day Care cuddling and
soothing infants. Lastly, in her prayer ministry, she was
always happy to be asked to pray for someone’s intention.
In whatever she did, she ministered with a joy-filled and
sincere concern for all she met.
To read the full text celebrating the life and legacy of a particular sister, please visit
www.sosf.org/in-prayerful-memory. If you do not have Internet access, send your request
with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the editorial office.