November 2, 1927 – September 15, 2025

Sister M. Ellenita O’Connor, SC, age 97, was called by God to eternal life at Caritas Christi, the motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, on September 15, 2025. She was in her 80th year as a Sister of Charity, having entered religious life on September 8, 1945, from Holy Cross Parish on the South Side.

The only daughter of Thomas B. and Catherine C. O’Connor, both of whom preceded her in death, Sister Ellenita is survived by her cousins and her religious congregation.

She earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Seton Hill University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. She also obtained certification as a secondary school principal from the University of Pittsburgh, where she was recognized as a member of Phi Lambda Theta for her academic achievements.

Sister Ellenita dedicated her life to education, teaching in schools throughout the Pittsburgh and Greensburg dioceses, as well as in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She also taught business subjects at Salpointe High School in Tucson, Arizona. Later, she became principal of the former Elizabeth Seton High School in Brookline. During her nine-year tenure, she implemented innovative teaching strategies, such as team teaching and seminars, which contributed to a significant increase in enrollment. She also oversaw the planning and construction of the Elizabeth Seton High School building in 1970.

A member of the first graduating class of Elizabeth Seton High School, Sister Ellenita later returned as principal and was inducted into the school’s Alumni Hall of Fame during a Founder’s Day. She was also appointed by the Mayor of Pittsburgh to serve on the Pittsburgh Housing Authority Board and received a Certificate of Recognition from the Western Pennsylvania Housing Directors Association for her distinguished service in housing and redevelopment. Additionally, she served on the Board of Trustees for Seton Hill University.

Beyond education, Sister Ellenita excelled in various ministries. She served as the planning director and treasurer for the Sisters of Charity and managed Saint Joseph House of Hospitality in the Hill District. She later became assistant facilities manager at the congregation’s motherhouse complex before assuming the role of properties manager and project planner for the construction of Caritas Christi. She also worked as a consultant on special projects for the Sisters of Charity.

Reflecting on her life of service, Sister Ellenita once remarked, “I have always tried my best at whatever the community has asked of me.” This sentiment was evident in her dedicated ministry and is echoed by her fellow Sisters of Charity and her many colleagues. She embodied the spirit of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, living by the words: “Let all be in the order of His Providence, neither asking nor refusing.”

She also shared, “It is fulfilling to have been called by God to serve in religious life before, during, and after Vatican Council II, despite the many challenges it presented. It has been rewarding to witness the emergence and growing appreciation for the laity in the Church. In religious life, we receive far more than we could ever give.”

The Sisters of Charity extend their heartfelt gratitude to their dedicated nursing staff for the exceptional care they provided to Sister Ellenita.

May you share the peace, joy, and happiness of eternal life, Sister Ellenita O’Connor, with Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Company of Charity, and your loved ones.

The funeral liturgy will be live-streamed; access through the link:  https://venue.streamspot.com/2af9e1eb