Sister Marise Hrabosky

We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved
Sister Marise Hrabosky
Who departed this life on May 16, 2020
In the sixty-seventh year of her religious life
Age: 82 years, 3 months, 22 days

Due to the pandemic, we will not be able to gather together to wake Sr. Marise. A prayer service will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mother of Providence Chapel. It will be live streamed here https://video.ibm.com/channel/Q4zW6rUvwPq. CLICK HERE to print the prayer service. A memorial mass will be celebrated at a later date.

"For those that love God all things work out unto good." Romans 8:28

Sister Marise Hrabosky, born in Clairton on January 25, 1938, and raised in Ellwood City, PA, was a sister who would go on to define her life by the love she generously shared and the trust in Providence that she modeled. Named Catherine at baptism, Sister Marise credited her parents, William and Mary, who inspired her with a sense of prayerfulness and a deep awareness of God. The oldest of three children, Sister Marise’s brothers, Bill and Tim, knew the love and support of their older sister. She was already in the convent when her brother Tim died a week before his high school graduation and her sorrow was shared by her sisters in community. This was one of many times the community would support and encourage her.

After coming to the Villa at Providence Heights as a sophomore to finish her high school education, she entered the community in 1953 from her home parish of Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ellwood City, PA. Sister Marise went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in education as well as a master’s degree, both from Duquesne University. She was also certified as a principal. She ministered in education in the dioceses of Pittsburgh and Columbus, OH, as well as the  Archdiocese of Detroit. She was a  principal at Providence Heights Alpha School, as well. In all these many places, as teacher or principal, Sister Marise encountered love and shared it with joy, giving her full attention to the person before her and listening with her heart. As one student wrote in a Christmas card years after graduating from a school where Sister was principal, "...you made me feel great about myself… you always went that extra mile to do something for someone and for that and a whole lot more, I love you... ." Sister Marise treated everyone with the same love, respect, and creativity no matter the circumstance, trusting that she would have what she needed. Author Alice Walker wrote, "I have learned not to worry about love, but to honor its coming with all my heart." (Revolutionary Petunias and Other Poems) This was how Sister Marise lived out her trust in Providence.

In her 2003 50th Jubilee questionnaire, when asked what she wanted people to know the most about her religious life, she responded that she wanted them to know her life was an adventure! In 1990, that adventure took a new turn. Working as an educator within a parish she was moved to take on new roles in the parish, which eventually led her to become a parish social minister. In this role, her actions in ministry showed to those in the parish a reflection of the God we call Providence. Whether it was visiting the sick or directing the archives of the parish, Sister Marise showed herself an engaged participant. People in the parish would know her as a friend, as well. As one woman wrote in a thank you note to Sister Marise, “You truly have a gift for making people feel loved. I hope our friendship never ends. There are always so many surprises in my life since you entered it." She would find new friends when her life’s adventure led her to La Roche University to minister as a receptionist in Housing and Residence Life, meeting students and staff with her typical enthusiasm and kindness. At this time, her mother moved to St. Joseph Center at Providence Heights to live and receive care. This was a great comfort to Sister Marise.

Those who befriended Sister Marise realized she was an unabashed cheering section for just about everyone she knew and had a keen interest in their lives. Many in the parishes and schools where she ministered, and in the CDP community, as well, experienced that friendship through one of her encouraging notes or letters. She loved to share her joy and her trust in Divine Providence by writing, which was a ministry unto itself. If these notes could all be put together in a book, they would write the story of her life. As Sister Marise now continues with a new chapter in her life’s adventure, we pray that she will always radiate her love and joy to those who hold her dear and welcome our love in return.

Birthday: January 25
Sister Elena Almendárez

CLICK HERE to view a photo album and share your thoughts and stories of Sister Marise.
CLICK HERE to make a contribution in honor of Sister Marise's memory.