Sister Claire Krzysiek

december 4, 1935 - may 28, 1972

Sister Claire (Gloria) Krzysiek, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, died on May 28, 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was just 36 and in her 20th year of religious life.

A native of Farrell, Pa., Sister entered the community in 1952, professing first vows in 1953 and final vows in 1958. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) in Pittsburgh, Pa., and a master’s degree in administration from Duquesne University, also in Pittsburgh.

Sister Therese taught in Catholic grade schools in the Pennsylvania towns of Hellertown, Ellsworth, Carmichaels, Barnesboro, Clymer, Ambridge and Charleroi. She also taught the upper grades at St. Gabriel School on Pittsburgh’s Northside and at Mon Valley Catholic High School before serving as principal of Mount Assisi Academy from 1970 to 1972.

Sister Claire is remembered as a peaceful, prayerful person who, despite suffering with liver cancer at such a young age, maintained a sense of humor and dedication to duty. “She was a great teacher. The children loved her,” one Sister wrote. “She used her God-given talents.”

Sister Claire is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh.