Sister Theresa Bavol, OSBM
Uniontown
As quietly and peacefully as she lived, Sister Theresa, (formerly Sister Agatha), entered her new life in the Kingdom in the early morning hours of Thursday, August 13, 2026, the final day of the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord. For all of us Sisters who shared our lives with hers, this was a fitting time for Sister Theresa’s personal “transfiguration.”
The daughter of the late John and Susan Vasilko Bavol, Sister Theresa was born October 3, 1931, in Trenton, N.J. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil September 15, 1949, and made her perpetual vows August 29, 1954.
She taught in the parish schools of the Metropolia for over 50 years, teaching the primary and lower elementary grades. Among the schools where she taught was her home parish school of St. Mary’s, Trenton. When the parish school closed, Sister continued to serve there in parish ministry.
After serving in parish schools for close to 50 years, Sister Theresa was called to lend her talents in parish ministry once again at St. Therese’s in St. Petersburg, Fla. In Florida, Sister Theresa brought her artistic talents to bear in teaching art to the students who were in a home school program at one of the parish facilities. Sister’s service there was greatly valued by all whose lives she touched.
Sister Theresa later had a rich and blessed ministry at Mt. Macrina Manor, sharing her gift of compassionate care with residents and staff alike. This compassion and concern continued even when her health declined, and she herself became a resident at the Manor.
Sister Theresa was greatly devoted to St. Therese, often requesting her intercession in prayer for those for whom she prayed. When she received a sign of a rose in some form, she believed these prayers were answered.
She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles; it was nothing for her to work on a 1,000-piece puzzle. She worked methodically, completing the frame first, then by color continuing to completion. Related to this was her enjoyment of Sudoku, working on these until she was successful. For all her ministries, for all her interests, Sister is remembered fondly among the Sisters.
In addition to her community, Sister Theresa is survived by her nephew, Bruce (Rochelle) Bavol; cousin, Stephanie Hennessey; and devoted great-nephews and nieces, and cousins.
Relatives and friends will be received at the Mt. St. Macrina Thursday, August 20, from 4 until the time of the Parastas Service, which will be sung at 6:30 p.m. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated Friday, August 21 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery.
The DONALD R. CRAWFORD FUNERAL HOME, Hopwood, is in charge of arrangements.