Sister Mary Bernice Pikul, 94 of Providence, Rhode Island, a member of the Congregation of Felician Sisters for 75 years this year, died Sunday, April 25, 2021.
Born in Radgoszcz, Poland, she was the daughter of Stanley and Sophie Pikul. She was predeceased by her sisters Jane Nasierowski and Victoria Weslowski.
She is survived by her brother Stanley Pikul and wife Molly of Greensboro, Georgia; nephews Edward Benisz, Bay City, Michigan, Joseph Weslowski (Gail) Florida, N.Y., niece Bernice Langlitz (Richard) Florida, N.Y., nephew Stanley Pikul (Nathalie) Jacksonville, Florida, niece Debra Stephens (Larry), Atlanta, Georgia, great nice Anne Marie Pikul and several cousins.
Sister Bernice entered Our Lady of the Angels Convent in Enfield, Conn., from St. Joseph Parish in Florida, N.Y., in June of 1946. Her ministry in Education began in 1948.
Sister Bernice served in the Archdioceses of Hartford, Conn., and New York and the dioceses of Springfield, Mass., Long Island, Worcester, Mass., and Providence, R.I.
Sister Bernice served the people of St. Adalbert Parish in Providence, R.I., in two assignments which total 38 years. She was the last principal of St. Adalbert School, which closed in June 1987.
Sister Bernice is remembered as a quiet and dedicated religious – serving St. Adalbert Parish as School Principal, Church sacristan, Coordinator of the parish Religious Education Program and teacher of students preparing for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion.
Sister Bernice was an active member of the Council of Religious of the Diocese of Providence. Sister Bernice was awarded the Lumen Gentium Award from the Diocese of Providence in 2020.
Sister Bernice’s active service came to an end when she was hospitalized on Easter Monday, April 4, 2021. Sister always wanted to die “with her boots on.”
As a patient in Rhode Island Hospital, Sister suffered with debilitating pneumonia. Her caring doctors and nurses commended her for her great spirit and patient endurance of her breathing challenges.
A private Mass of Christian Burial was offered for the repose of her soul on April 30 at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Enfield, Conn.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Adalbert Church in Providence, R.I., on Sunday, June 6, at 11:30 a.m. – a day after what would have been her 95th birthday.
Rest in eternal peace, Sister Mary Bernice!
To send a condolence online, please go to www.purtafuneralhome.com.