Sister Mary Ann (Jude Thaddeus) Thimons, CSJ, 84, died Friday, July 29, in the 67th year of her religious life. The daughter of Joseph and Theresa Dohm Thimons, Sister Mary Ann entered the Congregation from St. Joseph Parish in Natrona, PA.
Over 21 years, Sister Mary Ann taught at seven schools in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Altoona-Johnstown. She began her education ministry at Annunciation in Pittsburgh (1959-64), and subsequently served at St. John the Baptist in Baden (1964-65), St. Andrew in Johnstown (1965-70), Holy Name in Ebensburg (1970-71), St. Bernard in Mt. Lebanon (1971-74), St. Margaret Mary in Lower Burrell (1974-75), and St. Bernadette in Monroeville (1975-80).
Sister Mary Ann transitioned to pastoral ministries at St. Mary parish in Kittanning (1982-89), and then at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg where she served as Chaplain until 1999. She subsequently served as Pastoral Associate at SS. Simon and Jude in Scott (2001-2003). With a compassionate heart, Sister Mary Ann, embraced opportunities to provide spiritual support at Hope Hospice and Sivitz Hospice, both in Pittsburgh. When she moved to the Motherhouse in 2010, she facilitated âjourney from grief to healingâ sessions at St. Joseph Spirituality Center to help individuals cope with the loss of loved ones, including beloved pets.
Blessed with a generous spirit and sense of humor, Sister Mary Ann, one of 12 siblings credited her family – particularly her father – and her community with influencing her decision to enter religious life. âIt was my fatherâs love that opened my soul to God,â she said when reflecting on decades of service. âI am sure this love of reconciliation with God and others has been a gift to me from my family and religious community, and I hope in some small way, my ministry has been a witness to this unconditional love.â
Predeceased by a brother, Joseph A. Thimons, Sister Mary Ann is survived by six brothers, Gerard Thimons of Brackenridge, Edward Thimons of Natrona Heights, Thomas Thimons of Apollo, Michael Thimons of Natrona, Dennis Thimons of Lower Burrell, and Richard Thimons of Pittsburgh; and four sisters, Elizabeth Conroy of Sarver, Rita Malloy of Butler, Margaret Wadyko of Greensburg, and Kathleen Swantner of Natrona Heights; Associates, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. The Sisters are grateful to the Supportive Living staff at the Motherhouse for their care of Sister Mary Ann. Friends will be received Tuesday, August 2, to the close of the Prayer Vigil, which begins at 6 p.m., and Wednesday, August 3, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Medaille Hall at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday, August 3, at 4 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. All visitors who enter the Motherhouse are required to show proof of vaccination. Donations in the name of Sister Mary Ann may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, Development Office, 1020 State St., Baden, PA, 15005.
