Sister Rita Polchin, SS.C.M., 94

Sister Rita Polchin died at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, on September 7, 2023. She was the daughter of Joseph and Anna (Fedor) Polchin, who had been married by Father Matthew Jankola, Founder of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius. Rita Patricia Polchin was born in Coxeville, PA, on August 13, 1929, the youngest of 10 children.

After graduating from Hazle Township High School, and working in a factory for two years, she entered the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius from Holy Trinity Parish in Hazleton, PA on September 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, SC; in Waynesboro, Bloomsburg, Nanticoke and Lebanon, PA; in Bridgeport CT; in Endicott and Yonkers, NY; and as a principal in Waynesboro, PA and Charleston, SC. She received her Bachelor’s in Education from Marywood University in Scranton, PA, and a Masters in Educational Administration from Fairfield University in CT. 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 Saints 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 9 brothers and sisters. Sister is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will begin on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Maria Hall in Danville, PA, with General Visitation beginning at 10:00, Rosary at 10:15, Wake Service at 11:00 and a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 1:30 in the Maria Hall Chapel followed by burial in the Sisters’ cemetery.

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