January 01, 1970
Sister John Gabriel Kostelnik, A Sister of Charity of Nazareth, Ky., passed into eternity Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, at the age of 93, and in the 76th year of her religious life. Sister originally entered the Congregation of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity from St. Florian Parish in United, in 1939. Sister John Gabriel received her Bachelor and Master degrees in education from Duquesne University and served the church as an elementary teacher and principal in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Youngstown, Ohio, and Mobile, Ala. Sister’s last teaching assignment was at St. Sebastian School where she taught for 24 years. After her retirement from teaching she served as a telephone operator at the Motherhouse of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Because of ill health, Sister John Gabriel resided at the Vincentian Home until recently when she returned to St. Louise Convent where she peacefully passed away. Sister was known for her gentle manner, ready smile and laugh. She had a deep love for children and God. After teaching all day she would then offer her services as a CCD Catechist. Sister John Gabriel had the unique privilege of having three of her family members also enter the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Having four family members become sisters was an inspiration to others and a blessing to the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Sister John Gabriel was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Anna Kostelnik, and her siblings, Sister Canice, Michael, John, Joseph, Mary and Sister Seraphine. She is survived by her sisters, Sister Antoinette, Catherine Hohos and Margaret Klimchock; nieces and nephews; and her sisters in Community. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, in St. Louise Convent, 8200 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2015, in the convent chapel, followed by interment in the Sisters’ cemetery on the convent grounds. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Office of Congregational Advancement, PO Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048-0009
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