Obituaries
Sister Mary Columba
Sister Mary Columba of the Infant Jesus, OP, died peacefully in the Lord on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at St. Anne’s Retirement Community. Born Theresa Kwitowski on May 20, 1920 in Glassport, PA, she was the daughter of the late Louise and Maximilian Kwitowski.
Sister Mary Columba joined the Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary at the monastery in South Enola, PA on August 13, 1934 and made her Religious Profession on July 1, 1937. In 1953, she moved along with community to Lancaster, PA.
For the past two years, Sister Columba was a resident at the St. Anne Retirement Community in Columbia, PA, where she received excellent nursing care and where she gave witness to her religious consecration by her gratitude, prayers, and smiling countenance.
Sister served the community in many monastery duties and was an excellent embroiderer. She was known for her exuberant, friendly personality, and edified everyone by her prayerfulness, cheerfulness, and steadfast love for Our Lady’s Rosary. In her numerous correspondence, she gave much comfort, solace, and inspiration to those who sought her prayers and advise.
Sister Columba is survived by two sisters: Sister Anne, SHS, a member of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, Pittsburgh, PA; Rita Watko of North Huntington, PA, and a brother, Stanley and his wife Mary Kwitowski of Hollywood, FL; two nieces and three nephews, several grandnieces and grandnephews. Sister was preceded in death by her brother, Frank Kwitowski, three nephews, and one niece.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Monastery Chapel, 1834 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 10:00 AM, with the Chaplain, Rev. Edward M. Gaffney, OP as Celebrant. A viewing will take place in the Monastery Chapel on Friday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 PM and prior to the Funeral Mass Saturday morning from 9:00 until 10:00 AM. Arrangements entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory. To send an online condolence, please visit www.SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 717-393-9661
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To All My Sisters and to Sister Columba’s family:
We were truly blessed to have had her in our lives. Her life/example gave us memories too beautiful to forget. The two years we shared together are the most important ones in my life: full of love, laughter and sharing. Keep in mind that those we love don’t go away — they walk beside us every day; unseen, unheard but always near. As Sister would say "peace, love, prayers and blessings to you" —- always…… with much love,
Linda
When our Lord calls our loved ones home to eternal life, we have the gift of memories to console us. Our Beloved Sister Mary Columba has truly left us memories of God’s love, prayerfulness, peace, joy and hope that encourages us to live in the presence of God as she did.
My visits with Sister Mary Columba at St. Ann’s Retirement Community were filled with her love of God and our Blessed Mother.
As a Dominican Sister I was touched by her contemplative life. I thank God for the gift of knowing Sister Mary Columba and will remember her radiate smile of God’s presence.
May peace be with her Religious Community and her family.
Sister Maria DeMonte, OP
Dear Sister Columba,
I speak for all our family when I say that although we will miss your inspiring letters & cards, which gave us great comfort over the years, this Christmas you are spending it with Jesus! You have left us with many warm thoughts & much gratitude for helping us through the trying times. I especially remember my visit to you many years ago, staying in the "White House" when it was still there. Be happy in heaven & with God’s love & forgiveness we will see you again.
Love,
Loraine Rexford
