“We have loved her during life. Let us not abandon her until we have conducted her by our prayers into the house of the Lord.” St. Ambrose
Sister Hildegarde Boxer, SSJ, age 86, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on February 5, 2018. She was in the 68th year of her religious life. Born in Erie, PA, on February 17, 1931, the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Zielinski) Boxer, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Sacred Heart Parish in Erie, PA, on September 1, 1950, professed her final vows on August 15, 1956, and celebrated 60 years of religious life (Diamond Jubilee) in 2010.
Sister Hildegarde graduated from Villa Maria Academy and later continued her education at Villa Maria College where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1966.
Sister Hildegarde taught at St. Patrick, St. Ann, Holy Rosary, St. Joseph, Blessed Sacrament, and St. Paul Schools in Erie. She also ministered at St. Joseph Home and served for ten years at Saint Mary’s Home of Erie Adult Day Care Center. Sister was involved in the Religious Education programs at Houtzdale Catechetical Center, St. Francis of Assisi in Bradford, PA and at St. Matthew in the Woods Parish in Erie. For four years, Sister Hildegarde ministered as care-giver for her parents and subsequently for two friends of the Congregation. Sister Hildegarde also ministered to infirmed members of her congregation in various ways and participated in the Sisters of St. Joseph Prayer Call ministry.
Memorials may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Mission and Ministries Foundation, 5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA, 16506-1249.
