On the morning of Tuesday, March 3rd, Sister Helen Schott (Annunciata) was welcomed into the loving embrace of the Lord after a full life in His service. She was 91 years of age and in the 70th year of her consecrated life as a Sister of St. Basil.

Sister Helen Schott was born on June 22, 1934, in Freeland, Pennsylvania. Formerly a parishioner of St. John’s Church in Hazleton, she entered the Sisters of St. Basil on September 12,1953 and made her perpetual vows on August 16, 1959.

From 1956 to 1969, she faithfully served as a teacher and principal in parochial schools in Bridgeport, Munhall, Whiting, Lorain, Pottstown, and Parma. From 1974 to 1979, she ministered as Director of Nursing and Superior at Mt. Macrina Manor Nursing Home in Uniontown.

Sister Helen served her Province with dedication as Provincial Councilor (1975–1980) and Provincial Superior (1980–1990). Under Sister Helen’s leadership, the Sisters moved into the decade of the 80’s with a new appreciation of their vowed life and their Byzantine heritage. The movement to various ministries begun in the previous years continued during Sister Helen’s two terms as Provincial. In 1982, Sisters from the Uniontown Province added to their presence in Rome by missioning Sisters to the Generalate and in the Vatican Secretariat.

The initial translation of the Divine Office into English primarily for community use, resulted in the publication of the Office of Vespers, Office of Matins, The Festal Menaion and the Triodion. The Basilian Associate Program was established in 1990.

A revitalization program was begun in the Province, and a review of buildings and resources for future planning was undertaken. The health care ministry at Mt. Macrina grew and in 1989 groundbreaking was held to enlarge the Manor to a 120-bed facility, offering three levels of care to the elderly and infirm.

When her terms of office were completed, Sister Helen worked with Albert Gallatin Nursing Service in Hospice care, also serving as Health Director of the Province. Until she was no longer able to do so, health care of the Sisters proved to be her final engagement in active ministry.

Sister Helen was known for her open and friendly manner, not only in the community, but wherever she was called to serve. She wanted to be known for her untiring concern for the infirm Sisters, her love of Byzantine Spirituality, and her love of the Sisters of St. Basil.

In addition to her community, she is survived by nephews James Bannon and Daniel and Christopher Peterson, as well as a number of cousins and devoted family and friends.

As her health declined, Sister Helen became a resident at the Manor. It was from here, that Jesus called her to her new home in the Heavenly Kingdom.

Relatives and friends will be received at the Monastery on Friday, March 6, from 3:30 pm to the time of the Parastas Service which will be sung at 6:30 pm. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7 at 10:00 am. Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery.

Donald R. Crawford Funeral Home Hopwood is in charge of arrangements.