Sister Miriam Richard Soisson, age 94 in her 75th year of religious life

SISTER MIRIAM RICHARD SOISSON, SC, age 94, entered eternal life on November 11, 2023 in the 75^th year of religious life as a Sister of Charity of Seton Hill. A Pittsburgh native, she was born on August 21, 1929. She entered the congregation from Assumption Parish, Bellevue, PA on September 8, 1948.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Susan Creese Soisson; three brothers: Albert, Reverend F. Clifford, and Richard; and three sisters: Jean Beatty, Anna Mae Soisson Dickason, and Sister Mary Clifford, SC. She is survived by nieces and nephews, and her religious congregation.          

Sister Miriam Richard earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and history from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in education and guidance counseling from the University of Arizona.  She was certified as a reality therapist with the International William Glasser Institute, and held a national professional certification as a bereavement facilitator.  She attained the second degree in the Usui system of natural healing, commonly known as Reiki.  Sister Miriam Richard authored The Role Play Handbook, published by Boulden Publishing Co. 

Sister ministered in the field of education throughout much of her life.  She taught students at the intermediate and middle school levels in the dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Greensburg, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Tucson and the Archdiocese of New Orleans. She ministered as principal at Saint Leo School, Altoona, and at Saint James School, Apollo.  In the late 1960s, she participated in a faculty exchange program between the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill and the Holy Family Sisters of New Orleans, a program implemented to combat racial prejudice by integrating students and faculty.

Sister Miriam Richard also served as a guidance counselor.  Her work with young students demonstrated how she cared for and provided to those in need.  She found real benefit in helping children and their families learn to cope with difficult situations and people. As a result of her care and support, she became a friend and mentor to hundreds of students and their parents.

When Sister Miriam Richard retired, she moved to Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill. She was named director of the Elizabeth Ann Seton Guild to which she dedicated herself.  This program provides spiritual services, Masses and daily prayers for lay and religious persons by offering cards for various occasions.

Reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Miriam Richard noted, “It has become more evident to me over the years the meaning of ‘I am.’  God is definitely in the present.  When one is able to be aware of His Presence, there will be contentment, happiness, and acceptance. Let go of the past, fear not of the future, and live in the present—His Presence.” 

Sister Miriam Richard, we rejoice with you now as your loving God calls you home to be with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Company of Charity and your loved ones to enjoy the fullness of eternal life.

Family and friends will be received at Caritas Christi, 129 DePaul Center Road, Greensburg, PA on Tuesday, November 14, from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm until the close of the Prayer Vigil where we share stories and memories.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, November 15, 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].