Sister Agnes Steedle, SC, age 98, in her her 80th year of religious life

SISTER AGNES STEEDLE, SC, age 98, entered eternal life at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on February 9, 2026. She recently celebrated her 80th year of religious life. Born on January 9, 1928, in Pittsburgh, she entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity on September 8, 1945, from Holy Innocents Parish in Sheridan, Pennsylvania.

Sister Agnes was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Bertha (McGervey) Steedle; her four brothers, Charles, Leo, James, and Joseph; and five sisters: Bertha (John) Paunovic, Elizabeth (Fred) McKool, Catherine (Frank) Byers, Mary (Louis) Fleet, and Margaret (James) Salamon. She is survived by nieces, nephews, their families, and her religious congregation, the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill.

Sister Agnes earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and Spanish from Seton Hill University, followed by a master’s degree in science (chemistry, physics, and biology) from Purdue University. She later earned a master’s degree in theology from Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. This expansive education prepared her for a lifetime of diverse teaching and leadership roles.

Throughout her career as a teacher and administrator, Sister Agnes served the dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Tucson. She held the position of principal at Saint James School in Apollo and served as Director of Religious Education at Saint John the Evangelist in Tucson and for the Catholic Church of Preston County, West Virginia.

During her four years in Preston County, Sister Agnes’s impact was profound. She mentored children and parents while training new teachers and adult leaders; under her guidance, enrollment reached record numbers. Deeply inspired by the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, she dedicated her energy to those on the margins. When devastating floods wiped out two Preston County towns, she was on the front lines, securing food, clothing, and furniture for displaced families. One year, by mobilizing students and local organizations, she coordinated Christmas gifts for 150 needy families. Reflecting on her service, she said, “I know we never helped one hundred percent of those who needed help, but we sure tried.”

Sister Agnes began her volunteer ministry in 1998 as the Attendance Secretary at Greensburg Central Catholic High School. She later brought her dedicated service to Jeannette District Memorial Hospital and the administrative offices of the Sisters of Charity, where she was known for her meticulous handling of raffle fundraisers until her retirement.

Sister Agnes followed Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s admonition: “Be united as true Sisters of Charity; be faithful to your rule, be children of the Church.” She believed that, “Religious life is a call and a challenge. It is first of all an invitation from God to respond to God’s love through a lifelong dedication to a community of religious women.”

The Sisters of Charity are grateful to the caring staff and employees who accompanied Sister Agnes in her final days.

Sister Agnes, we rejoice with you now as your loving God calls you home to the fullness of eternal life. May you rest in peace as you join Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Company of Charity, and your loved ones.