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Nancy Sonnenfeld, SSJ
SisterBiography
Former Religious Name: Sister Frederick Claire
Home Parish: St. John the Baptist, Erie, PA
Sister Nancy Sonnenfeld, SSJ, formerly known as Sister Frederick Claire, is a woman of intelligence and creativity. She has combined her appreciation for nature with her interest in technology, developing a particular passion for photography and her artistic work has earned medals at various contests and events.
Sister Nancy graduated from Villa Maria Academy and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education and a master’s degree from Edinboro University. She also studied at the International Institute of Reflexology and became a certified reflexologist, continuing to offer this service throughout her ministry.
Over the years, Sister Nancy’s ministries have included teaching at eight elementary schools in Erie and surrounding communities. Her assignments included Sacred Heart, Blessed Sacrament, Holy Rosary, St. Paul, and St. John schools in Erie; St. Agatha School in Meadville; St. Bernard School in Bradford; and Notre Dame School in Sharon. She also served in adult education at Saint Vincent Health Center, as a financial assistant at St. Andrew Parish, and in media services for the Sisters of St. Joseph. Her other ministries included service at the Diocese of Erie, Villa Maria College and Conference Center, and WETG/Channel 66. Her work has also included reflexology and data entry coordination.
Nature is one of Sister Nancy’s greatest sources of inspiration. Through photography, she finds herself continually surprised by the many ways God reveals Himself in the world around her. She sees a reflection of humanity in flowers, observing how people, like flowers, differ in strength, needs, resilience, and beauty. Whether she is photographing trees, mountains, clouds, water, birds, or other details of creation, she takes time to appreciate the variety and wonder of God’s work.
Sister Nancy also reflects on the significance of entering the congregation on the feast of St. Augustine, whose search for God began with an awareness of the divine presence in nature. Her photography allows her to continue that search, discovering beauty in the world and recognizing the many ways creation can lead people closer to God. When opportunities arise, she also enjoys traveling and experiencing new places.
