Sister Theresa G. Nelen, 87, of the Carmelite Community of the Word, Gallitzin, passed away peacefully August 22, 2024, after a brief illness.
Born September 19, 1936, in Chest Springs, daughter of the late Henry and Emma (Smith) Nelen. Preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, her sisters of the religious community, Sister Mary Gainino, Sister Maryann Palko, Sister Margie Monehan, Sister Celeste Ciesielka and Sister Karen Elizabeth Duddy. She is survived by her sisters of the Carmelite Community of the Word; her sister Mary Buck, of Hastings and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sister Theresa professed vows July 5, 1959. In her 65 years of religious life, she served the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese as an elementary school teacher and as a principal in many Catholic schools in the diocese. After her retirement from teaching she served as a pastoral minister, conducted adult education classes, and she provided hospitality support at the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Loretto. She was an avid gardener. She loved to crochet, and many family members and friends have been the recipients of her creations.
A funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, August 26, at the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, Loretto, Most Rev. Bishop Mark L. Bartchak, celebrant. Interment at Holy Name Cemetery, Ebensburg.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Sister Theresa’s memory may be made to the Carmelite Community of the Word, 394 Bem Road, Gallitzin, Pa. 16641.
Arrangements are in the care of the Askew-Houser Funeral Homes, Inc., Ebensburg. Condolences to the family and community may be made to www.askew-houser.com.
