January 01, 1970
Sister Mary Julia Zilka, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at the age of 86 and in the 68th year of her religious life. Sister entered the Congregation of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity from Most Holy Name of Jesus Church in Monessen, PA in 1953.
After receiving her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Education from Duquesne University, Sister M. Julia joyfully served as an elementary teacher for 24 years and as a principal for 3 years’ in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Johnstown, PA and in Monett, MO. Sister M. Julia’s passion for learning more about her Catholic faith led her to pursue religious studies from John Carroll University, St. Vincent College and Seton Hill College. She shared this knowledge and love of the Catholic faith as a Director of Religious Education for 20 years in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Johnstown, PA as well as in St. Catherine Parish in Sebring, FL.
After serving for 44 years in education ministry, Sister M. Julia continued to serve the people of God at Vincentian de Marillac Nursing home in the Activities department. Because of health issues, she retired in 2007 to the Motherhouse, but continued to volunteer as a clerical assistant at Vincentian Collaborative System for two years. As her health continued to decline she was forced to discontinue her volunteer work, but faithfully continued her prayer ministry.
Sister M. Julia was the youngest of 13 children and a twin. She was affectionately referred to in
her family as Dolly because of her petite doll like appearance. Both of her parents were born in
Slovakia and instilled in her a deep love for her Slovak heritage. She felt blessed by the many
opportunities and challenges of her life in community and considered her religious vocation a
great gift from God.
Sister M. Julia was preceded in death by her parents George and Julia Zilka and her siblings: John, Anna, George, Mary, Julia, Cyril, Helen, Andrew, Veronica, Joseph and her twin John. She is survived by her sister Agnes, many nieces and nephews and her Sisters in Community.
Interment service in the Sister’s cemetery on the convent grounds Saturday 11:00 a.m.
All attending the funeral or wake are asked to be masked & observe social distancing. Please access the Chapel by using the Garden Entrance located in the rear of the building (follow green signs to Discovery drop-off from the Peebles Road entrance).
Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Office of Congregation
Mission, P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048-0009.
