Sister Mary Thomas Rodgers, SC, age 99, entered eternal life on March 31, 2024, in her 80th year of religious life

Sister Mary Thomas Rodgers, SC, age 99, entered eternal life on March 31, 2024, at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA, in her 80th year of religious life. She entered the Sisters of Charity Congregation on September 8, 1944, from Saint Mary Parish, 46th Street, Pittsburgh. Sister Mary Thomas was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas M. and Cecilia (Mahon) Rodgers; three brothers, John, Reverend Thomas Rodgers, and Reverend Kieran J. Rodgers, OSB; cousins, Sister Margaret Rose O’Dea, SC and Marie Adele Tierney. She is survived by her nieces, Patricia O’Neil, Shirley Rodgers, and Judy Rodgers; grandnieces and nephews; and Sisters of Charity. 

Sister Mary Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hill University, which prepared her for teaching first and second graders in the dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and Tucson. Her longest tenure was at St. Philip School in Crafton, where she ministered for twenty-nine years. Sister Mary Thomas was grateful for her tenure as a teacher at St. Philip School, followed by her role as a learning needs coordinator where she facilitated curriculum adjustments to ensure the success of students requiring additional support. Reflecting on her decades of ministry teaching young children, she said, “It was a labor of love.”

Sister Mary Thomas retired in 2006, moved from St. Philip’s Convent to Caritas Christi, and was always ready to continue the Lord’s work as a volunteer. Sister Mary Thomas said, “I have been happy to continue the Lord’s work through many years.” The Sisters of Charity are grateful for her generosity and gentle spirit and for her unwavering commitment to assisting others. In her final years, Sister Mary Thomas was cared for by the nursing staff and employees, to whom the Sisters extend heartfelt appreciation for their dedicated support and compassionate care.

Gentle, kind, and smiling, Sister Mary Thomas’s persona reflected Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s words: “Through piety and gratitude, we come to the deepest recess of peace and true contentment.” We rejoice with you now, Sister Mary Thomas, as your loving God calls you home to the fullness of eternal life with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Company of Charity, and your loved ones. Rest in peace.

Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, April 3 at Caritas Christi, 129 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg, PA from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  A prayer vigil sharing memories in the Chapel of the Assumption will follow at 7:00 pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30 am on Thursday, April 4. Burial in the Sisters’ Cemetery will immediately follow Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sisters of Charity, DePaul Center, 144 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg, PA 15601.  For more information, visit the website, www.scsh.org.