Sister Helena McCormick

Sister Helena McCormick (Brigid Helena McCormick), 91, a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 75 years, died at the Convent of Mercy Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. Born in Pittsburgh, she was a daughter of Frank and Mary (Mullan) McCormick. Sister Helena entered the Sisters of Mercy from Annunciation Parish, Pittsburgh in 1943 and made final vows in 1949. Sister Helena earned a bachelor's degree from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) and a master's in education from Duquesne University. She taught at area Catholic schools, including St. Paul Orphanage, St. Agatha, St. Xavier in Latrobe, St. Pius V, McKeesport, St. Paul Cathedral, St. Peter, North Side, and J.F. Kennedy in Washington, Pa., where she was administrator for 18 years. Nominated by her teaching staff and sponsored by KDKA Radio, Sister Helena was twice named "Woman of the Year." After her retirement from teaching, she volunteered at Mercy Hospital as a patient representative and in the gift shop. From 1999-2011, Sister Helena was administrative assistant at the Convent of Mercy. She was grateful for the gifts and talents God had given her to serve as an educator, and she considered her prayer life and community life as a Sister of Mercy to be the greatest sustaining gifts from God. Sister Helena was preceded in death by her parents; and her nine siblings, including Anna Mary McCormick, Grace Steck, Anna J. Schuler, Rose Cook, Theresa McCormick, Mary Kohl, Catherine McCormick Marguerite Malone, and Frank McCormick.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., and beginning at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, at the Convent of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Ave. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, in the chapel at the Convent of Mercy, followed by interment in St. Xavier Cemetery, Latrobe. Arrangements entrusted to the EDWARD P. KANAI FUNERAL HOME, 500 Greenfield Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, or Carlow University Scholarship Fund.