4.22.2009

The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA

April 25, 2009

Sister M. Clotilda, SS.C.M., 100, Danville

DANVILLE -- Sister M. Clotilda (Florence Omasta) died on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, at Maria Hall, Danville.

The oldest daughter of Stephen and Mary (Olejar) Omasta, she was born on May 4, 1908, in East Vandergrift.

She received her early education in public school and Holy Trinity School, East Vandergrift, Pa. Later, she attended St. Cyril Academy and Marywood Seminary. She received a bachelor of arts degree from Marywood University, Scranton, and a master's degree in history from Villanova. She also attended Fordham University and Bloomsburg University.

She entered the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius on June 26, 1922, and was received as a novice on June 3, 1924. On May 29, 1926, she made her first profession of vows.

Sister Clotilda served in many capacities during her 82 years as a religious. She was a teacher, principal, superior, supervisor of schools in which the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius taught in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and for nine years the congregation's Director of Formation. She taught in elementary grades, high school and junior college and served in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Indiana and South Carolina. For nine years she taught at St. Cyril Academy, Danville, and at Bishop England High School, Charleston, S.C., where she was head of the history department. She was instrumental in adding church history to the curriculum. She was also asked to be a demonstration teacher for public school teachers. During her years as an educator, she was also a choir directress and teacher of religious education in parishes.

In 1991, Sister Clotilda became the community archivist, a position she held for 16 years. As a tour guide she gave detailed explanations of the religious and historical material depicted in the windows of the Basilica of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Danville. She also narrated the video produced on these stained glass windows.

At the age of 90, she was nominated for Ageless Hero in the Love of Learning category and chosen by the judges to compete in the national competition.

Sister Clotilda is survived by four nephews and a niece, James McFadden, Spring Church, Pa.; Joseph Omasta, Lakewood, Colo.; Lawrence Omasta, Shelocta; Eugene Omasta, Troy, Ala., and Rose Marie Furman, Wayne, N.J.

The transferal rite and recitation of the Rosary will take place at Maria Hall today at 9 a.m. and the Wake Service at 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m., also at Maria Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Villa Sacred Heart, Danville, PA 17821.