Sister M. St. Elizabeth Kowleski died in Camilla Hall on April 1, 2023, shortly after her 96th birthday. Sister was in the 77th year of her religious life.
Elizabeth Louise Kowleski was born in Philadelphia on March 11, 1927. Sister’s parents Casmir and Elizabeth (Thomas) Kowleski were originally from Philadelphia but settled in St. Aloysius Parish in Oaklyn, NJ.
Elizabeth attended St. Edmond elementary school in Philadelphia and Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School (1941-1945). Later while in Community, Sister earned her B.Music degree from Immaculata College and an M.A. Music degree from West Chester State College.
Elizabeth entered the Congregation on January 6, 1946; she received her habit and her religious name Sister M. St. Elizabeth, on August 16, 1946; and she pronounced First Vows on August 15, 1948.
Sister M. St. Elizabeth was a magnificent musician who gave freely of herself to the children that she taught and to the local communities and parishes where she served.
Throughout Sister’s ministry of education, she taught elementary grade children and high school students as well. During many summers, Sister offered her gifts at our Retreat House in Stone Harbor, not only providing music for our liturgies but selling candy and gifts in our little shop in Stone Harbor!
Sister’s educational ministry included St. Thomas More, Virginia; St. Joseph, Reading; St. Frances Cabrini, Fairless Hills; St. Agnes, West Chester; Holy Saviour, Norristown; Central Catholic HS, Allentown; Kenrick HS, Norristown; St. Maria Goretti HS, Philadelphia; St. Martin of Tours, Philadelphia; and, last but not least, St. Aloysius Academy, Bryn Mawr, where Sister taught for 24 years.
In August 2011, Sister M. St. Elizabeth willingly agreed to serve our Sisters in Camilla Hall. Sister brought her talents and gifts and continued to serve as a faithful community member until her death on April 1, 2023. God rest you, dear Sister.
In addition to her IHM Community and her Local Community at Camilla Hall, Sister M. St. Elizabeth is survived by her cousins and friends. Sister is predeceased by her parents Casimir P. Kowleski and Elizabeth C. (Thomas) Kowleski.
Sister M. St. Elizabeth’s Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Stephen Paolino was the main celebrant and homilist joined by concelebrants Reverend Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem, Reverend Msgr. Thomas Dunleavy, Reverend Louis Bellopede, Reverend Vincent Marchionni, SJ, Reverend Michael Callaghan, C.M. and Reverend John Burger, S.S.C.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355