Sister Rita Polchin SSCM

1929 - 2023

Sister Rita Polchin died at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, on Thursday.

She was the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Fedor) Polchin, who had been married by the Rev. Matthew Jankola, founder of the Sisters of Ss. Cyril and Methodius.

Rita Patricia Polchin was born in Coxeville on Aug. 13, 1929, the youngest of 10 children.

After graduating from Hazle Twp. High School, and working in a factory for two years, she entered the Sisters of Ss. Cyril and Methodius from Holy Trinity Parish in Hazleton on Sept. 8, 1949, and was professed on Aug. 13, 1952. Sister Rita frequently said that she was drawn to religious life through the deep faith of her parents, who daily demonstrated that God was very much a part of their lives.

Sister Rita served in the ministry of education for most of her religious life, as a teacher in Charleston, S.C.; in Waynesboro, Bloomsburg, Nanticoke and Lebanon; in Bridgeport, Conn.; in Endicott and Yonkers, N.Y.; and as a principal in Waynesboro and Charleston, S.C. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Marywood University in Scranton and a master's degree in educational administration from Fairfield University, Connecticut. When Sister Rita retired from her very active ministry, she was engaged in the Ministry of Prayer and Hospitality at Maria Hall in Danville.

On her 25th anniversary as a Sister of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Sister Rita shared these words of wisdom: "Develop a deep spiritual life of prayer and a deep faith in all that God permits in your life. And another indispensable ingredient for happiness and holiness is a sense of humor." Anyone who knew Sister Rita knew that she also took these words to heart, being a woman of deep faith, prayer and good humor. Sister Rita's life of faith and service was rooted in the Gospel, summed up in one of her favorite quotes, "Be not afraid, I am with you."

Sister Rita was preceded in death by her parents and her nine brothers and sisters. Sister is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will begin on Wednesday at Maria Hall, Danville, with general visitation beginning at 10 a.m., Rosary at 10:15 a.m., wake service at 11 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. in the Maria Hall Chapel followed by burial in the Sisters' cemetery.

Donations in memory of Sister Rita Polchin may be made to the Sisters of Ss. Cyril and Methodius, Villa Sacred Heart, 1002 Railroad St., Danville, PA 17821.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Brady Funeral Home of Danville.

Messages, remembrance and support may be sent at BradyFuneralHome.com.