Mary Stephen Breznay, SCN, 87, died on Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at Vincentian Home, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was in her 70th year of religious life. Sister entered the Congregation of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity from Saint Michael Parish in Munhall, Pennsylvania.
Sister Mary Stephen received her Bachelor in Education degree from Duquesne University and served as an elementary teacher for 40 years in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Youngstown, Ohio, Mobile, Alabama, and Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri. After her long career in education, she continued to serve through her ministry to the infirmed Sisters, Vincentian Childcare Center, and as the manager of the convent gift shop.
Sister Mary Stephen was most proud of her “Sister of the Year Award” presented to her by the Knights of Columbus. She felt this award recognized her deep commitment to teaching God’s little ones. When people met Sister Mary Stephen, they readily noticed her warm, quick smile, and lively interest in everyone and everything.
The songs “God Loves a Cheerful Giver, Give Him All You Got” and “Que Serra Serra, Whatever Will Be Will Be,” were songs that she sang often and well, and epitomized a life well-lived in dedicated service to God and others.
Sister Mary Stephen was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Mary Breznay, her siblings Mary, Ann, Helen, Stephen, Agnes, Joseph, Dorothy, Thomas, Regis and John. She is survived by her nieces, nephews and her Sisters in Community.
Friends will be received at St. Louise Convent, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p,m. and Wednesday, October 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be in the convent chapel on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., followed by internment in the Sisters’ cemetery on the convent grounds.
sister Stephen was a marvelous example of Christian charity and love. Her many visits to our family home with our Aunt, Sr. Marilyn Malacki, were always a treat. We enjoyed the time spent together eating, laughing and just sharing the friendship and warmth that she brought with her wherever she went. She will be missed.
Sister Mary Stephen was a lovely woman of faith. Her presence reflected kindness, caring, wisdom and unwavering devotion to her pious prayer life. She was loving and was an example of light and hope to those around her. I was blessed to be her prayer partner for many years. S. Mary Stephen always kept my two brothers and myself in her sacred prayer devotions, which meant the world to us. we miss her very much, but her loving presence and thoughtful letters will guide us in our futures. Sister Mary Stephen was a professed Sister for 70 years and a beloved elementary teacher for 40 years. Her legacy will remain in our hearts always with much love.