Sister Coletta Adelsberg, CSJ, 85, died Wednesday, February 12, 2025, in the 67th year of her religious life.
The daughter of Oscar and Helena Berrick Adelsberg, Sister Coletta entered the Congregation from St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Pittsburgh.
Sister Coletta ministered in education for 40 years, often infusing her creative talents of mime, drama, and sign language into the curriculum. She served 18 years a teacher, including at St. Joseph in New Brighton (1963-69), Mount Gallitzin Academy in Baden (1969-72), and Annunciation in Pittsburgh (1972-77). She was also principal at Our Lady of Victory in State College (1978-80), Most Holy Name (1993-98), and St. John Neumann School in Pittsburgh (1999-2012).
“I’m grateful for the welcoming heart that Jesus has given me to be open and loving to children. Education is a huge challenge today because the needs of God’s people, particularly the poor, are overwhelming,” she said while reflecting on her education ministry.
Her lifelong passion for serving children and families extended beyond the classroom through Rainbows for All God’s Children, a support group for youth navigating grief resulting from death or divorce. In 1996, the National Catholic Education Association recognized Sister Coletta’s outstanding achievements as the Rainbows program director at St. Catherine of Siena, one of the first established in the Diocese of Pittsburgh.
Sister Coletta cared deeply about helping “kids learn to love themselves” and “adjust to life situations in a healthy way.” Whether educating a kindergarten class or listening to the needs of a struggling adolescent, Sister Coletta’s dynamic presence and endearing smile incited laughter, healed wounds, and touched the lives of many.
Sister Coletta once described how her faith was central to her relationships with others: Every day, I put Jesus between me and whoever is in front of me. He’s my source of energy and compassion.”
Predeceased by her brother, Robert Adelsberg, Sister Coletta is survived by her brother, Raymond Adelsberg, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, Associates, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden.
Friends will be received Monday, February 17, from 1 p.m. to the close of the Prayer Vigil, which begins at 6 p.m., and Tuesday, February 18, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Medaille Hall at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Tuesday, February 18, at 3 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel.
Donations in the name of Sister Coletta may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, Mission Advancement Office, 1020 W. State St., Baden, PA 15005 or made online at www.stjoseph-baden.org.
