Former Religious Name: Sister Andrene

Home Parish: Sacred Heart, Sharon, PA

Sister Veronica Mittal, SSJ, formerly known as Sister Andrene, has devoted her life to education, compassionate service, and living out the values of kindness and generosity. Born in Masury, Ohio, to Andrew and Mary (Dacey) Mittal, she attended Sacred Heart School in Sharon, Pennsylvania, before graduating from Brookfield High School in Brookfield, Ohio. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from Sacred Heart Parish in Sharon in 1957 and professed her final vows in 1965.

Sister Veronica earned her bachelor’s degree from Villa Maria College in Erie and continued her studies at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania and The Ohio State University. She went on to dedicate nearly 40 years to teaching in Erie Diocesan schools and in Columbus, Ohio. Her assignments included Sacred Heart, St. Andrew, Holy Rosary, St. Patrick, and Blessed Sacrament schools in Erie; St. Brigid in Meadville; and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Columbus. Much of her teaching ministry took place at Sacred Heart and Blessed Sacrament schools in Erie, where her dedication was appreciated by generations of students, parents, and parish members.

Sister Veronica’s vocation was shaped by the example of faith she witnessed throughout her life. She recalls being deeply influenced by her mother’s prayer life while growing up in Masury. Although she attended public high school, she encountered the Sisters of St. Joseph through religious education classes taught by Sisters Mary Paula and Mary Regis. Their kindness toward one another and their students left a lasting impression. During her junior year, a friend invited her to attend the Easter ceremony at which the Sisters of St. Joseph received the habit. Sister Veronica initially went simply to accompany her friend, without intending to enter religious life. However, she returned on her own the following Easter during her senior year. As she reflects, “God has ways!” She entered the congregation shortly afterward.

Over the years, Sister Veronica has been sustained by the example and support of the many Sisters who have accompanied her along the way. She remembers their helpfulness, generosity, cheerfulness, and willingness to share their wisdom as she took on new responsibilities. Their example taught her to trust in God’s ways and believe that everything would be made right. She remains grateful for the many people God has placed in her life, recognizing that each has contributed to her journey in a meaningful way.

Following her many years in education, Sister Veronica continued her service through other ministries of the congregation. Before retiring from active ministry, she managed Heritage Apartments, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and served as housekeeping director at the Sisters’ Community Living Center. She also ministered at Villa Maria Center as well as through volunteer service at Saint Vincent Hospital.

A poem that has inspired Sister Veronica throughout her life is The Road of Life, which reminds readers to make the most of every opportunity to do good and show kindness. Its message reflects the spirit that has guided her years of teaching and service: that even the smallest act of care can make a difference in another person’s life. Through her vocation, Sister Veronica has sought to share that kindness with her students, colleagues, fellow Sisters, and the wider community.

Sister Veronica’s life is a testament to the lasting influence of prayer, community, and everyday acts of generosity. Grateful for the people who have helped shape her journey, she continues to embody the lesson she learned from the Sisters who inspired her: to trust in God’s ways and meet each new opportunity with kindness, faith, and an open heart.