Sister Nancy Jane Gerken, SC
August 18, 1935 – December 10, 2022
SISTER NANCY JANE GERKEN, SC, formerly, Sister John Bosco, age 87, entered eternal life at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, on December 10 in her 69th year of religious life.
Born in Pittsburgh, Sister Nancy Jane entered the congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill on September 8, 1953, from Sacred Heart Parish, Shadyside. Preceded in death by her parents, Leo A. and Agnes (Neff) Gerken, and two brothers, James and Lawrence. She is survived by a brother, Donald, and a sister, Joan Carr, many nephews and nieces, and her religious community.
Sister Nancy Jane earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Seton Hill University and a master’s degree in pastoral ministry from Fordham University. She taught primary level students in schools of the dioceses of Altoona-Johnstown, Lafayette, LA, Pittsburgh and the Archdiocese of Washington. Of her work as a pastoral minister at Saint John the Evangelist Parish, South Side 1980-1986, Saint Therese Parish, Munhall, 1986-1998 and John XXIII Home, Hermitage, 1998-2011, Sister Nancy said, “to be inspired to say the right words of consolation and hope is often a soul-stirring experience.” She said her years in parish and social ministry were a dream come true.
In 2011, Sister retired to the Motherhouse in Greensburg where she volunteered. The Sisters of Charity are grateful to the Congregation’s nursing services and employees for their dedicated care of Sister Nancy Jane during her final years.
Reflecting on her life as a Sister of Charity, Sister Nancy Jane remarked, “I am grateful to the Lord for my vocation to serve God’s people as a Sister of Charity. During my lifetime, I have been called to many different places and to various ministries. Through that work, I realize that ‘I can do all things in the Lord who strengthens me.’”
Rest in peace, Sister Nancy Jane, as your loving and faithful God welcomes you home to be with the Company of Charity.
The funeral liturgy will be live-streamed; access through the link: https://venue.streamspot.com/2af9e1eb
