Age 86
Sister Virginia embraced the works of mercy and was firmly committed to service as a lifelong educator.
Steeped in the love of her family and nourished in the Catholic faith through her education at St. Bridget Parish School and Little Flower High School, both in Philadelphia. Pennsylvania, Virginia responded to the call to serve God as a Sister of Mercy. At the age of 17, she entered the Sisters of Mercy in Merion, Pennsylvania. For the next 69 years, Virginia faithfully lived her vowed life, witnessing to her belief that in Jesus, she had all she ever needed.
She held a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Gwynedd-Mercy College (now University) in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, and a master’s degree in history from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Initially Virginia taught first and second grade, then moved to teaching middle schoolers and teenagers whom she loved dearly. Virginia offered her high school students a welcoming presence and a patient, listening heart to those struggling with life’s challenges. Her spirit and faith guided countless children as she witnessed her love of God and her commitment to mercy.
She also ministered as the dean of students at Gwynedd-Mercy Academy in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, for five years before becoming first the vice-principal for three years then principal for twelve years at Walsingham Academy in Williamsburg, Virginia. After a well-deserved sabbatical, she worked in the admissions office at Mercy Vocational High School (now known as Mercy Career and Technical School) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for 13 more years. In retirement, she volunteered at the Convent of Mercy in Merion, Pennsylvania.