Sister Electa Barlok

November 2, 1931 - February 17, 2018

Sister M. Electa (Bernardine) Barlok died on February 17, 2018, at Vincentian Home in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 86 and in her 67th year of religious life.

Sister entered from Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Northampton, Pa., and professed first vows in 1951 at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, Pa. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from Seton Hall University in New Jersey and a master's degree in library science from Villanova University in Philadelphia, Pa.  She also received a master’s degree in religious studies from St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia.

Born in Cementon, Pa., Sister Electa entered our community in 1949 from Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Northampton, Pa., making final vows in 1956. She taught at various elementary schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey and was principal in both Stowe and Bethlehem, Pa. Many will remember Sister when she taught at St. Francis Academy in Bethlehem, Pa., and from her ministry work in several parishes in Pennsylvania and in Westfield, Mass.  

In 2010, Sister Electa relocated from Bethlehem to Pittsburgh, where she joyfully assisted the elder sisters with correspondence, worked in the convent library and, above all, prayed for anyone in need. Sister loved to sing, and did so with her whole heart and soul, especially during liturgies and communal prayers.

Energized by time with friends or children, Sister loved to watch Home Improvement, read mysteries, knit and eat chocolate. Her spirit of creativity, joy and deep gratitude will live on with all who knew her.

Sister Electa was preceded in death by her parents, John Stephen and Mary Elizabeth (Makovsky) Barlok. She is survived by her religious community and cousins.

Sister Electa is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Monocacy Manor in Bethlehem, Pa.