Sister Mary Philip Kwolek

On Monday, February 24, 2025, a member of the Felician Sisters of Moon Township, for 76 years, Sister Mary Philip died at the age of 94, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent in Buffalo, New York.  Sister was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of the late Stanislaus and Mary Krauz Kwolek.

Sister served the Church and the Felician Community as an elementary and secondary teacher for more than 35 years in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Erie, Pennsylvania, as well as Cleveland, Ohio.  In addition, she ministered in Brazil for four years and in Rome for six years.  Her proficiency in the languages of Latin, Portuguese, Italian and Polish more than qualified her for the many years that she served as a translator of community records.  She was also a translator of conferences of Father Justin’s Holy Hour from Polish to English for a seven-year period.

Sister Mary Philip was very engaged and active in community affairs and committees and served wherever she was needed including several terms as the local minister of both the former provincial house and local convents.

Sister Mary Philip was the founder and organizer of Leo Meyer Manor, a senior-living facility in McKees Rocks, founded in 1992, under Christian Housing and served there for ten years as the director.

Sister returned to Coraopolis in 2020 and assisted in the archives where she continued to translate community documents.  In 2021, requiring more personal services, Sister Mary Philip was missioned to Buffalo, New York, where she remained until the time of her death.

Sister Mary Philip was preceded in death by her parents, and ten siblings.  She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews in the greater Pittsburgh area and Virginia.

Family and friends will be received at Sanvito Funeral Home in Coraopolis, PA, on Friday, February 28, from 2-4 and 6-8, p.m., with a Sharing of Memories at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 1, at 10:30 a.m. in the Convent Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Felician Sisters Retirement Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.  Arrangements are being handled by SANVITO FUNERAL HOME, Coraopolis (412) 264-3050.

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