Sister Marianita Zabala OSF

Sister Marianita Zabala, OSF Sister Marianita Zabala died on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Highand Hills Nursing Home in Pittsburgh. Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico in 1935, Sister Marianita entered the Sisters of St Francis of the Neumann Communities (Millvale) in 1954 from St Augustine Church in the Bronx, NY. She made final profession in 1958. Sister was predeceased by her parents, Magdaleno Zabala and Anastasia Vazquez Zabala, and her siblings Peggy, Marcial and Carmen. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and her religious community. She worked closely with the Capuchin Community(OFM Cap) in Puerto Rico over many years. Sister Marianita received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, PR. Most of her religious life was in Puerto Rico, with a few years In Pittsburgh at St Joseph, Mt Oliver and North Catholic High School. Among her ministries, Sister was a high school Spanish teacher, guidance counselor and principal in San Antonio and Santa Cruz and a Formation Director for temporary professed Sisters in Cayey, PR Sister Marianita returned to Mt Alvernia in Pittsburgh In 2017 after Hurricane Maria. Twenty years earlier, she and some students and adults went to help survivors of Hurricane Georges in the Dominican Republic. Reflecting on her trip, she said they all thanked God for the beautiful experience of being so close to the poor. "We saw Jesus in every one of them" She moved to The Province ( Wexford) in 2019 with almost 70 Sisters of St Francis of the Neumann Communities. Sister was in memory care, and has been a delightful presence there. She loved music, and sang, smiled and swayed to songs she loved, especially in Spanish. Sister recently went to Highland Hills Facility. We are grateful to the staff from memory care at The Province, the staff at Highland Hills, and to Bethany Hospice, who cared for her lovingly at The Province and Highland Hills. Fuiste u un ser de luz para nostros en Puerto Rico y en Pittsburgh ¡te extranaremos mucho, Hermana Marianita! Viewing will be held on Friday, January 9 2026, at St. Aidan Parish, St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, at 10:30 am until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Interment at Mt. Alvernia Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, 225 Greenfield Parkway, Suite 208, Liverpool, NY 13088. Live Streaming may be available, please check the parish website. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, LTD., Lawrenceville.

Sister Marianita Zabala OSF

February 22, 1935 - January 5, 2026