Sr. M. Elise Renk, OSF

Sister M. Elise Renk, OSF Age 104, on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Beloved sister of Edward W. Renk, Gertrude C. Hartnett, and the late Raymond J. Renk, Paul Robert Renk, and Marcella A. Davies; loving aunt of Christina, Denise, Stephanie, Linda, Theresa, and Richard; daughter of the late August Renk and Elizabeth Sehn. She grew up in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Mt. Oliver during the Great Depression. She told us that as a child she would walk two miles to the library on the South Side and soon became an avid reader. Sister attended St. Henry school and it was here that she came to know the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale. As her love for learning grew, she saw the sisters as real role models. At the young age of 16, Sister Elise entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale on September 7, 1934. She began her ministry of teaching and soon earned two Masters degrees in Education. She loved teaching and her favorite subject soon became biology. She once said that "Biology is the story of life and creation and that fit right in my basket." She loved teaching the wonders of creation. Following 50 years of ministry in education in the Diocese of Pittsburgh both as teacher and principal, she retired from teaching. In 1990, she began working at the former St Francis Medical Center in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood. At the age of 72, she embraced the Information Age and began learning computer skills. Her desire for learning enabled her to thrive on challenges. At the age of 100, she was still enjoying games on the computer. In 2002 and for several years Sister ministered at the Mt. Alvernia Day Care Center. Even in her retirement, her mind remained sharp as she continued to enjoy many cherished friendships. Sister will be remembered as a life-long learner who was dedicated to excellence in teaching. Most recently, she felt that her secret in obtaining a long life was having a positive attitude even in the midst of challenges. She once remarked, "You have to try to be positive even though many times there are hardships that are negative. You still have to try to find maybe a speck of good in it." Viewing will be held on Saturday, December 10, at St Aidan's Parish, St Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford from 12:30-1:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be at 1:30 PM. Interment at Mt. Alvernia Cemetery to follow. 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. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.

Sr. M. Elise Renk, OSF

March 17, 1918 - December 7, 2022