Sister Mary Victor Powers, SC, age 88, in her 70th year of commitment to religious life

Sister Mary Victor Powers, SC, age 88, answered God’s call to eternal life on December 12, 2025, at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, PA, in her 70th year of commitment to religious life. Born in Pittsburgh on December 10, 1937, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill on September 8, 1955, from Saint Stephen Parish in Hazelwood. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Kathryn (Martine) Powers, and by her sister, Geri Green, who was her best friend. She is survived by her three nephews and their families, as well as the Sisters of Charity, her beloved religious family.

Sister Mary Victor earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in administration from Duquesne University. Throughout her years in education, she was known for her deep dedication to ministry. She faced financial insecurity at some of the schools where she served, yet she developed innovative programs in a value-centered environment. Her talent and experience in the classroom were complemented by her deep faith, strong hope, genuine courage, and profound love—qualities that enabled her to be an excellent teacher and principal.

She served as a teacher in the Dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and the Archdiocese of Washington. She was principal at Saint Edward School in Herminie, Cathedral School in Greensburg, and Holy Innocents School in Sheraden. Her longest tenure as principal was at St. Anselm School in Swissvale, later named Word of God School, where she served for twenty-one years. For four years before her retirement, she worked as a Teacher Trainer Coach for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

One of Sister Mary Victor’s most fulfilling experiences was establishing Word of God School as a model of total inclusion. She invited St. Anthony School for students with special needs and the Western PA School for the Deaf to participate in the school’s programs, benefiting all the children involved. She believed that her key responsibility as a teacher and principal was to ensure that children received an excellent academic education in a Catholic, all-inclusive environment, preparing them to advance justice and support the poor.

In November, 1992, the Mayor and Council of Swissvale Borough honored Sister Mary Victor Powers, Principal of St. Anselm School, with a proclamation recognizing her contributions. The proclamation stated that she had been instrumental in establishing enrichment opportunities, promoting self-esteem and academic excellence, and encouraging full family participation in education. She devoted herself to the needs of St. Anselm Parish and actively promoted involvement in community activities, including the Red Ribbon Campaign and the Swissvale Ministerial Association. This proclamation acknowledged her dedication to the students and families of St. Anselm and to the broader Swissvale community, culminating in her recognition on the National Day of Appreciation for Catholic School Principals.

In 2014, Sister Mary Victor answered the call to become the Spiritual Moderator for the Pittsburgh Ladies of Charity in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. She recognized that this role required a substantial commitment of time and energy devoted to the spirit and ministry of the organization, and she embraced the opportunity to work with those whose mission was to serve Christ in ways that make a tangible and meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

At the time of her 50th jubilee, Sister Mary Victor reflected, “The aspect of my religious life that I have found most satisfying has been my ministry of education. To be able to serve in the ministry in which Jesus served has been gratifying. The spiritual and financial support of my congregation makes it possible for me to minister in urban areas where there are many needs.” She was grateful for all her years as a Sister of Charity—years filled with joy and blessings. Reflecting on her life, she noted that she hoped to leave a legacy of dedicated service and compassion.

When Sister Mary Victor retired to the motherhouse in Greensburg, she continued to serve the community in various ways, especially through her six years as Sister Servant. The Sisters of Charity at Caritas Christi are grateful to the caring staff who attend to all the sisters and who accompanied Sister Mary Victor in her final days.

Sister Mary Victor, 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 and all the Company of Charity.

Family and friends will be received at Caritas Christi, 129 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg on Monday, December 15 from 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm. A prayer vigil sharing memories in the Chapel of Assumption will follow at 6:30 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, December 16 at 10:30 am in the Chapel of Assumption at Caritas Christi. Burial will immediately follow Mass in the Sisters’ Cemetery.

The funeral liturgy will be live-streamed; access through the link: https://venue.streamspot.com/2af9e1eb

If you wish to offer prayers or remembrances, you may do so by emailing [email protected]. 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.