Sister Elizabeth Bertoldi, O.S.B.M.

Sister Elizabeth Bertoldi, OSBM

Sisters of the Order of Saint Basil the Great

Jesus, Lover of Humanity Province

1931 – 2020

On Wednesday, October 14, 2020 Sister Elizabeth Bertoldi died at Chestnut Hill Hospital where she had been transferred from St. Joseph’s Villa Nursing Home. 

Sister Elizabeth (Marie Thomas) entered the Order of the Sisters of Saint Basil the Great in 1953 after graduating from High School in Atlas, PA.  Sister was baptized and chrismated at SS Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Mt. Carmel, PA.  The only daughter of Edward Bertoldi and Eva Horashak, Sister grew up with three brothers – Michal, Thomas, and Edward. 

After taking her first vows in 1956 Sister was assigned to St. Vladimir’s School in New Kensington, PA.  She went on to serve at St. John the Baptist Church in Northampton, PA (1956-1959); St. John the Baptist in Newark, NJ (1959-1960); SS. Peter and Paul, in Auburn, NY (1960-63); St. John the Baptist in Pittsburgh, PA (1964-1969) Immaculate Conception in Hamtramck, MI (1969-1971); St. Nicholas in Philadelphia PA (1971-1972); Saint Basil Academy in Fox Chase (1972-1981); St. George Academy (1981-1982); (Province Treasurer) (1975-1983); and the Generalate in Rome as Treasurer (1984-1989).  In the nineties Sister responded to the call to begin a new ministry in Pastoral ministry serving in Mahanoy City and McKees Rocks, PA where she ministered to the sick and shut-ins and conducted sessions in Adult Eastern Christian Spiritual Formation.  In addition to the all the above Sister was also appointed to the staff of the Office of Religious Education in upstate New York.

Sister Elizabeth earned a Masters Degree in Mathematics at Villanova University and her Masters Degree in Education at Duquesne University. 

Sister served in each of her ministries faithfully and generously until she suffered a stroke in 2007 limiting her mobility and availability for ministry.  Never discouraged Sister continued to have a devotion to her Basilian community, the Associates of the Order, and her family.  Sister always was interested in and continued to participate in community meetings and celebrations in as much as she could. 

The Sisters mourn her passing but are thankful for her sharing of self, time and talents for the good of the Order and in service to the Church.  May we say of her that she is not just holy, or loving…or she is free but, for the glory of God, all of these and more. 

Due to the pandemic there will be no viewing but only a graveside service.  The Divine Liturgy will be offered at a later date. 

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