Oct 18, 2009 3 min read

Sister Sylvestra (Mary) Vargo, a member of the Uniontown Province of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great for 69 years, went peacefully home to the Lord on Friday, October 16, 2009 at Mt. Macrina Manor. Sister Sylvestra was born in West Leisenring, Pa., the daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Potochnak) Vargo.

A member of St. John’s Byzantine Catholic Parish in Uniontown, Pa., she entered the Sisters of St. Basil the Great on August 28, 1940. Sister Sylvestra pronounced her First Vows on August 28, 1942 and made her Solemn Profession on August 28, 1948 in the presence of the late Bishop Daniel Ivancho.

Sister Sylvestra was in active ministry in many of the parishes where the Sisters staffed schools, ministering in culinary services and as a home Sister. In addition, she also served at the Seminary and at the Bishop’s Residence in Pittsburgh, Pa. At St. Basil’s Home for Aging Women, Sister Sylvestra helped with Activities for several years.

In semi-retirement from 1995 through 2002, Sister Sylvestra volunteered at Mount Macrina Manor, assisting in caring for the Chapel. Illness finally made it necessary for Sister to be fully retired. She became a resident of the Manor in August, 2003, and it was from there that she gave back her life to God.

In reflecting on her life as a Basilian, Sister noted, “There is no better life.” This attitude spoke of her faithfulness to her holy vocation, and she willingly shared her love for God with all who visited her. She had a great devotion to the Mother of God and took great joy in singing Marian hymns. When visiting Sister, the first thing one noticed was her ever present rosary in her hands. If she was not in her room, she could usually be found in the Chapel praying or watching EWTN. When her state of health permitted, she enjoyed participating in the activities at the Manor, but she took the greatest pleasure in belonging to the Living Prayer Group which met at the Manor on Wednesday evenings.

Sister Sylvestra was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Paul, John Joseph and Deacon Frank Vargo, and her sisters: Margaret Vargo and Josephine Shutz. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by many devoted nieces, nephews, and their children.

Relatives and friends will be received at the MONASTERY CHAPEL Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm. The Parastas Service will be sung on Sunday at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Metropolitan Basil Schott on Monday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m. in the Monastery Chapel.

Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery. The KEZMARSKY FUNERAL HOME of Uniontown is in charge of arrangements.