of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
(Anna Lipska)
June 13, 1913 – August 30, 2003
Immaculate Heart of Mary Province
Monroe, Connecticut
“Perform your duties thoroughly, sincerely, lovingly and diligently for God. Appointed duties are the expression of His will and the foremost proof of love is to perform the will of the Beloved, to whom one is avowed in fidelity.” (Counsels From the Heart – Letter 34)
Born in Chester, Pennsylvania on June 13, 1913, the daughter of Joseph and Helen Lipski, Sister Angelica attended St. Hedwig School in Chester, Pennsylvania, and Nazareth Academy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth on October 16, 1930, and was admitted into the Novitiate on August 11, 1931. Sister professed her temporary vows on August 26, 1933, and her perpetual vows on August 15, 1939.
Sister truly lived out her commitment to the Lord and her community. Sixty of her seventy-three years spent in religious life were dedicated in loving service to the teaching apostolate in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York. Whether it was Religion, Math, or Science, Sister demanded no less than the best from each of her students. The students and the parents who understood her straightforward manner appreciated her tireless efforts on their behalf.
Faithful in all that was asked of her, and determined to achieve excellence in all things, Sister Angelica worked wholeheartedly and generously in all her life’s endeavors. She may have been short of stature but she certainly was not short of energy. Though Sister retired from teaching in 1993, Sister did not actually retire; She remained in the school setting working as a part-time aide. She loved the children and they loved her. She knew how to make the unhappiest child smile and she knew just the right words to say when a child needed a little encouragement. And when all else failed – she knew how to hug!
In addition to her work in school, Sister lovingly cared for the convent chapel – setting for daily Mass, decorating the altars and maintaining the church linens and vestments. She had a zest for life and loved to travel and experience new places and meet new people. Sister enjoyed baseball, classical music, baking, helping with holiday preparations at Christmastime and so much more. Everything Sister did was with her whole heart and soul.
Those with whom she lived and worked found Sister Angelica to be a very devout, faithful person. Sister made her presence known, not in the glamour of fame, but in the silence and unselfish spirit that characterized her whole life. She never refused a request if she was able to assist in any way. She was truly happy in her vocation and her happiness brought joy and love into the many lives she touched through the years.
Sister Angelica loved her family dearly and was genuinely concerned in the welfare of each member. She remembered each one with cards and letters for birthdays, anniversaries and all special occasions. Distance did not keep Sister from visiting with her family, especially with her sister Elizabeth. Whenever she could, Sister Angelica would travel by train to her family so she could spend holidays and summer vacations with them.
Sister Angelica suffered with various medical ailments for many years but you would never know from looking at her because she never complained. She did not allow her medical problems slow her down either. That is why notice of her sudden illness on August 29, 2003 came as a real surprise. Sister Angelica was rushed to the hospital but she was a strong willed woman and we all believed that she would recover. However, Sister Angelica’s medical condition worsened throughout the day. Then in the early hours of August 30, 2003, Sister quietly closed her eyes and passed into the hands of God.
Her passing undoubtedly brought a keen sense of loss to her family and to the Sisters of the Community. We shall mourn her passing, but truly, we know that for all her labors and her witness as a woman of Faith she is sharing in the life of the Resurrected Christ.
MAY SHE REST IN PEACE!
Digitized by S. Brendan O'Brien, CSFN
Instructor
School of Arts & Sciences
History Department
Holy Family University
9801 Frankford Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19114
215-637-7700 x3279
srbrendan@holyfamily.edu
http://web3.holyfamily.edu/srbrendan
Last updated: February 2006