Sr. M. Sylvia Schuler OSF

SCHULER SR. M. SYLVIA, OSF
On Saturday, March 27, 2008. Daughter of the late August and Regina Schuler. Also survived by several loving cousins. A native of Pittsburgh, Sister Sylvia was born and raised in the Arlington Heights section of Pittsburgh. She attended St. Henry's Elementary School and Mt. Alvernia High School before entering the convent as a member of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, Millvale, Pennsylvania. Sister earned her bachelor's degree from Duquesne University. Sister Sylvia taught in the Diocese of Pittsburgh Elementary Schools for nine years. Sister Sylvia continued her education by obtaining a master's degree in hospital administration from St. Louis University. Sister's tenure in administration at Saint Francis Hospital began in 1959. She continued in the administration of the hospital until 1977 when she succeeded the late Sister M. Adele Meiser as Executive Director. In 1984 Sister Sylvia became President and CEO of Saint Francis Health System. Sister piloted what was the largest hospital in western Pennsylvania through its largest building program. In the midst of this physical growth, Sister shepherded a change in the corporate structure of this single hospital to a health care system which had grown to include three hospitals, three skilled nursing facilities, numerous satellite facilities, a health insurance organization, and a health foundation among other affiliates necessary to fulfil the mission of St. Francis. Sister was instrumental in the development of the Pittsburgh Laser and Advanced Surgery Center, geriatric services including the award-wining medication misuse/abuse program, a specialty unit for chemically dependent adolescents, an eating disorder unit, a dual diagnosis program in psychiatry and chemical dependency, a kidney lithotripter, the Heart and Lung Institute, Health Assistance Program for Personnel in Industry (H.A.P.P.I.) two helipads and the Maternity Unit. The expansion continued 20 miles north of Pittsburgh Rt. 19 where Sister's vision drew her to Cranberry Township, the fastest growing community in the region. The system established a "hospital without walls." Saint Francis Medical Center North (now UPMC Cranberry) offered 24 hour emergency and diagnostics services, various restorative therapies, an oncology center, same-day surgery center, a skilled nursing facility, a medical office building, a helicopter landing facility and a support building. As early as the 1980's, Sister realized the importance of working with her competition and was a key player in the addition of the MRI Institute and Lithotripsy service in collaboration with other institutions. She served as President of the Board for the Center for Emergency Medicine, and emergency air and ground transport system, which led the medical center to form a critical transport team. Sister supported her profession not only in her memberships but also in her service on the committees and boards such as American Academy of Medical Administrators, American College of Health Care Executives, American Hospital Association, Association of Mental Health Administrators, HAP and HCWP. Her belief in creating health communities is illustrated by her leadership in community groups such as the Lawrenceville Development Corporation and Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation and the founding of Eastside Alliance. Through Sister's efforts, St. Francis also sponsored the construction of high-rises for the elderly including S. Francis Plaza and St. Mary Mercy Manor. The community realized her contributions with various kinds of recognition like Kaufmann's Triangle Corner Award, Duquesne University's Century Club and Eastside Alliance's Eastsider of the Year. Sister Sylvia's attention to detail coupled with her vision were constant in her service on the Boards of St. Francis Health System and its subsidiaries, Sister Sylvia remained focused to her community needs by serving as a member for General Chapter and various committees. Every aspect of Sister's life symbolized the philosophy of St. Francis. Visitation at the Mt. Alvernia Motherhouse Chapel, 146 Hawthorne Rd., Millvale Monday 2-8 pm, Tuesday 2 pm until the time of Funeral Mass at 5 pm. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Ministry, Formation or Retirement Fund, 146 Hawthorne St., Pgh, PA 15209. Professional Services entrusted to the care of D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD.
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