Sr. Lorraine Wesolowski, OSF

Sister Lorraine Wesolowski, OSF February 2, 1942 - July 1, 2026 Sister Lorraine Wesolowski, age 84, a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, died on July 1 at UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless. She was preceded in death by her parents Anthony Wesolowski and Laura Wisniewski. She is survived by her brothers Fr. Anthony Wesolowski, OSB, B.A., M.Div, Ed, Robert Wesolowski, MAT, nephew Matthew Wesolowski, niece Dr. Sarah (Andrew) Williamson, Ed.D, great-nephews, Mason and Ben, great-nieces, Emma and Micayla, extended family and friends. Sister Lorraine was born on February 2, 1942, Lorraine was raised in the Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of Holy Family Parish. Hearing God's call to religious life, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis on September 8, 1959, and made her final profession of vows on August 13, 1966. For nearly seven decades, she faithfully lived her Franciscan vocation through ministries of education, leadership, communications, and service. Which continued when Sister Lorraine moved to the Province of Wexford. Sister Lorraine earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Carlow College and a Master of Education in Montessori Education from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Montessori education was a ministry she deeply loved. She delighted in fostering each child's curiosity, creativity, and confidence, believing that every child possessed unique gifts waiting to be discovered and nurtured. A gifted communicator, Sister Lorraine possessed an extraordinary talent for writing, editing, and storytelling. She contributed articles to a variety of Catholic publications and became known for her ability to capture the spirit and mission of religious life through the written word. She later served in communications for the Adrian Dominican Sisters, traveling nationally and internationally to produce videos, write articles, and share stories of the congregation's ministries throughout the world. While working with the Adrian Dominicans Lorraine spear headed the founding of the National Communicators Network for Women Religious (NCNWR), now called Communications for Women Religious (CWR). Within the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Sister Lorraine's gifts were equally treasured. She served on the Congregational Leadership Team, where her thoughtful leadership and vision helped guide the community. During her years in leadership, she helped initiate a collaborative healthcare outreach with the Sisters of Mercy that provided a mobile health van offering medical care and support to underserved neighborhoods, reflecting her commitment to the healing mission of Christ and the Franciscan call to serve those on the margins. Her writing talents continued to bless the congregation in countless ways. Most recently, she served as principal writer and editor of the final documents of the 2025 Congregational Chapter, helping articulate the hopes and commitments of the community for the future. She also authored the history of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities from 2004 through 2024, preserving an important chapter of the congregation's story for generations to come. Sister Lorraine's creativity extended beyond words. While living at the Province of Wexford she brought beauty and prayer together by designing and decorating our chapel for liturgical seasons, feast days, and special celebrations. Through her artistic gifts, she created sacred spaces that invited reflection, reverence, and joy. Her unexpected death has prompted her sisters, family, and friends to pause in gratitude for the many gifts she shared so generously. May she now enjoy the fullness of God's peace and the eternal joy promised to all who have served Him faithfully. Heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses of UPMC Passavant Cardiac Care Team for their excellent and compassionate care of Sr. Lorraine during her recent hospitalization. Viewing will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at St. Aidan Parish, St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford, at 10:00 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. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com.