Sister Seraphine Kostelnik

January 01, 1970

A Sister of Charity of Nazareth, KY, passed into eternity on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at the age of 95, and in the 72nd year of her religious life. Sister originally entered the Congregation of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity from St. Florian Parish in United, PA in 1943. Before receiving her Licensed Practical Nurse certification Sister Seraphine served at the Cathedral Rectory and Troy Hill area of Pittsburgh. After receiving her Licensed Practical Nurse certification from Mercedian School of Nursing, Sister Seraphine worked at St. Vincent Hospital in Monett, Missouri for 50 years. Her many years of service at St. Vincent Hospital endeared her to the people of southwestern Missouri. She was tireless in her dedication and service, especially in the operation room where she worked for years. When Sister moved back to the Pittsburgh area in 2003 she served at the Vincentian Child Care Center until her retirement in 2006. Always a person of action and service Sister Seraphine continued to serve God’s people through her ministry as a visitor to the Vincentian Home residents. Her smile and friendly manner brightened the day for many of the residents who looked forward to her visits. Sister Seraphine had a unique privilege of having three of her family members also enter the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Having four family members become a sister was an inspiration to others and a blessing to the Vincentian Sisters of Charity. Sister Seraphine was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Anna Kostelnik; and her brothers, Michael, John, and Joe; and her sisters, Mary, and Sister Canice. She is survived by her sisters, Catherine, Margaret, Sister John Gabriel, and Sister Anntoinette; and her nieces and nephews. Friends will be received at St. Louise Convent, 8200 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, PA on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, from 2 to 8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in the convent chapel on Thursday, March 19, 2015, at 11 a.m. 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, P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048-0009.