Sister M. Beatrice Brunner
May 08, 2024 - January 05, 2013
BRUNNER
SR. M. BEATRICE, SCN
A Sister of Charity of Nazareth, died peacefully at Vincentian Home on Saturday Jan. 5, 2013 at the age of 86. Sister was in the 68th year of her religious life. Sister Beatrice was born in Pittsburgh, Pa. and entered the Vicentian Sisters of Charity from St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Perrysville, Pa. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Mt. Mercy College, and a Master of Education degree from Duquesne University. Sister taught for 20 years in both elementary and secondary education in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Mobile and Birmingham, Alabama. In 1967 Sister Beatrice was assigned to Fonthill, Ontario, Canada where she taught Science at Notre Dame High School for 24 years. After retiring from teaching, Sister Beatrice continued her ministry of service as Pastoral Minister to the people os Star of the Sea parish in St. Catherine, Ontario, Canada until 2009. Sister then returned to Pittsburgh, Pa. where she was part of the Sisters’ prayer ministry. Sister had a zest for life and a quick wit. She enjoyed a good joke, and others would delight in the joy of her humor. Sister Mary Beatrice was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Matilda and a sister, Catherine. She is survived by her sisters, Rose and Loretta and her brothers, Raymond and Andrew, and all her sisters in community. Friends will be received at St. Louise Convent, 8200 McKnight Rd. on Tuesday Jan. 8, from 2-8 PM and Wednesday from 9-10:15 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday Jan. 9 at 10:30 AM in the St. Louise Convent Chapel. Burial will follow in the Sisters’ cemetery on the convent grounds. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Carity of Nazareth, Office of Congregational Advancement, PO Box 9, Nazareth, KY. 40048-0009.
For years after high school, whenever Sister “B’s” name was mentioned, it always brought a smile to my face. Though she played the tough type, she was actually a softie at heart. No one can ever forget her 100 page Biology tests that she allowed you to come to school and hour early to start. Though you never finished, when it came to report card time, she graded you fairly on how well you did on the questions you had answered. She instilled her students to think, to study and take ownership. If you were lucky to have her again in Grade 12, she treated you for the adult you had become, if you had exhibited the qualities she instilled in you three years prior. She was a master of her craft and you don’t come across many people like her and her teaching methods. They say “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”, as was attested to in the comic strip in the school newspaper of Sister B and her “Holy Water Squirt Gun” trying to convert people. It was additionally a pleasure to have her there at school functions for support and a role model for our Catholic faith. She is definitely part of me as the Catholic I am today. She will sadly be missed but definitely not forgotten. May her light shine as bright above as it did on earth.
It is very sad that you had to leave us. You have served the Lord well here on Earth. He’ll reward you in Heaven. My sister knows you personally. She’ll miss you very much. Please say hello to Sr. Mary Victorine, Fr. Anthony, and Fr. Warren. I miss you all very much.
So sorry to hear the news. Both my sons went to Notre Dame and had her for Science. She instilled a passion to learn and they still remember their physics. They loved her and her classes. Our condolences.
My condolences to Sister Beatrice’s friends and family. Sister B was my 1st period teacher in grade 9 and she was an amazing teacher! She knew how to balance teaching and humour and helped guide so many students In their Catholic faith. On the first day of school, she taught us the Notre Dame fight song and each time I hear it today, I think of her. Sister Beatrice is one of several teachers who helped me follow the right path to become a Catholic teacher. She left a positive impact in this world and will never be forgotten.
My deepest sympathies at the loss of a dear woman, teacher, friend. Sister Beatrice was my teacher for two years in high school and later, my fellow colleague. Her quick wit and kind help will forever be remembered. May she rest in eternal peace.
Sister Beatrice was one of the best teachers I’ve had in my life. She deserves credit for taking me aside one day after class and challenging me to ’show her what I can do’ rather than ’goofing off in class’.
Her challenge developed my love for science in a meaningful way and lead to a Masters of Biochemistry and a Doctor of Optometry. Who knows what I would have ended up doing without her motivation. Thank you Sister B for knowing what to say and when to say it. I’ve thought of you often along the way… your great quotes still remain with your students and inspire them, long after high school. Rest in Peace.
I was very sorry to learn of Sr. Beatrice’s passing. A dear woman who was definitely part of my own decision to become a religious. May God grant her rest and grant consolation to everyone who mourns her passing.
Sister Beatrice was a wonderful women. She was my Biology teacher at Notre Dame College School, in Welland. It was because of her that I followed a road into the sciences and I am very grateful for her guidance, and her wonderful ability to put up with not only my teenage attitudes but with all of my class mates too. I feel that I can speak not only for myself but the rest of my class mates, in saying we will all miss Sister Beatrice very much. Thank you for the time you gave to us Sister Beatrice. Rest in Peace.