Our Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity, OCD, 91, (Helen Rose Zaczyk), died peacefully with the Nuns at her side on April 21, 2023 here at the Monastery. Sister was born on February 13, 1932 in Sagamore, PA , the daughter of the late John J. and Louise (Kurowski) Zaczyk. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Frank, Stanley, Violet Bigan, Mary Rapacik, Rose Topick, Sally Poad, Bertha Zolocsik, George, Eugene and Veronica. She is survived by her dear brother Edward, special nieces: Veronica Topick, Betty Sloop and many other beloved nieces and nephews. Sister Elizabeth took great joy and pride in her family and we enjoyed seeing the photos they would send her and meeting them when they came for visits in the Speakroom.
Sr. Elizabeth worked at various occupations for a number of years before discerning her vocation. She entered our Discalced Carmelite Monastery in Loretto in 1980 and received the Carmelite Habit in March of 1981 and her Religious name: Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity. She made her First Profession of Vows on March 25, 1983 and professed her Solemn Vows on April 12, 1986. For the rest of her religious life, Sister faithfully served the Community in many capacities, Sacristy, Habit Room and Linen Room among them. Sister had a special talent in sewing and gardening, especially in flower arranging, and for many years created beautiful flower arrangements for our Chapel and Nuns’ Choir for all the Liturgical ceremonies and celebrations.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated April 26 by Most Rev. Bishop Mark L. Bartchak. Concelebrants included Discalced Carmelite Provincial, Very Rev. Michael of the Heart of Jesus (Berry), OCD and Fr. Richard Davis, TOR, homilist. Committal at the Carmelite Monastery within the Monastic Enclosure.