Sister Madeline Boback, OSBM
Sister Madeline Boback went peacefully home to the Lord early Tuesday evening, August 9, 2011 at Mt. Macrina Manor. She had been a member of the Uniontown Province of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great for 63 years.
Sister Madeline was born in Wilkes-Barre, PA, the daughter of the later Michael and Catherine (Krawchak) Boback. A former member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Wilkes-Barre, PA, she entered the community on September 15, 1948. Sister Madeline pronounced her First Vows on August 15, 1950 and made her Final Profession on August 28, 1953 in the presence of the late Bishop Daniel Ivancho.
Although her main purpose in entering the community was not to be a teacher; she brought these qualifications with her to the community. She, then, like many others, was assigned to the ministry of teaching and /or principal for a good part of her religious life. Her many students will testify that, while she was strict as a teacher, she had a listening heart and was well-loved by those who passed through her classes. Sister Madeline could make even Shakespeare palatable with her dramatic readings of his plays. She especially treasured the students of Mt. St. Macrina Academy and looked forward with delight to their visits when they attended the Alumnae Reunions.
Sister Madeline was also called to serve in the administration of the Province as Assistant Provincial for two terms. In addition to fulfilling this duty, she also served as Provincial Secretary and School Supervisor.
Her other assignments included editor of the Voice Magazine, assisting with secretarial duties at the Generalate in Rome, the Card and Prayer Department at the Monastery, Parish Office Work in Mc Kees Rocks, PA, and Administrative Secretary for the Eparchy of Phoenix. She was valued for her discretion and integrity in the fulfillment of all her assignments.
Writing about her desire to take the next step in her early years in religious life, Sister Madeline wrote . . .’I rely fully on God’s inestimable Mercy and Goodness. I desire nothing save that His Holy Will be accomplished in me and by me all the days of my life. May it please God in His infinite tenderness to look kindly on my request.’ As Sister Madeline gave her life back to God, this request was certainly granted to the fullest.
Sister Madeline was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Catherine. In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by her sister Sylvia Boback and several devoted nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends will be received at the Monastery Chapel on Sunday, August 14 from 3:30 pm to 9:00 p.m. The Parastas Service will be sung at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Monday, August 15 at 10:30 am in the Monastery Chapel. Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery.
KEZMARSKY FUNERAL HOME, Uniontown is in charge of arrangements.