January 01, 1970
Sister Theresa Novak, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, ended her earthly life of 70 years and began her eternal life Wednesday, July 14, 2010. Sister was born in Canton, Ohio. In 1955, she entered the Vincentian Sisters of Charity from Sacred Heart Parish, Canton, and served God and the Church for 55 years. The Vincentian Sisters of Charity, Pittsburgh, merged with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 2008. Sister Theresa earned a bachelor of science degree from Mt. Mercy College, Pittsburgh, and a master of social work from West Virginia University. Sister taught for 10 years in both elementary and secondary schools in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg. Upon earning a master of social work degree from West Virginia University, Sister served for five years as Director of Community Relations for the Diocese of Steubenville. She was then appointed as Director of Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio, a position she held for 10 years. Sister Theresa’s ministry changed again when she received her Nursing Home Administrator License and became the administrator of the Villa de Marillac Nursing Home, in Pittsburgh, serving there for 10 years. When the Vincentian Collaborative System was formed, Sister Theresa was appointed the first Executive Director, in which capacity she ministered for 11 years. At the time of her death, she was the chairperson of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging. Sister was also a member on both the board of the Faith-Based Network and the Faith-Affiliated Insurance Program. Over the years, Sister served on many other boards and committees in the fields of social and senior care services. Sister Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary Novak; her sister, Betty Jane Chessler; and brother, Joseph. Among her survivors are her sister, Mary; and brothers George and Robert; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and Sisters in Community. Friends are being received from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday and from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in St. Louise Convent, 8200 McKnight Road, Pittsburgh, (formerly the Vincentian Motherhouse). The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Louise Convent Chapel. Burial will follow in the Sisters’ cemetery on the convent grounds. Arrangements by T.B. DEVLIN FUNERAL HOME. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made either to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Office of Congregational Advancement, P.O. Box 9, Nazareth, KY 40048-0009, www.scnfamily.org, or to the Vincentian Charitable Foundation, 8250 Babcock Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15237, www.vcs.org.
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