Sister Virginia Marie Chnapko, MSC

1938 – 2025

Sister Virginia Marie (affectionately called “Ginger”) began her life in Lansford, Pennsylvania, the first Mission established by the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in the United States. Saint Michael Church and School were the center of life for her family and for the devout Slovak immigrants who settled there.

Sister Virginia Marie was a warm, caring, and capable Sister. She made friends readily, laughed easily and was intellectually curious.  Allow her to share her life with you in the following paragraphs in her own words:

“I was born in Lansford, PA and was a member of Saint Michael’s Parish. I met the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus very early in my schooling. After completing the eighth grade, I decided to enter Saint Michael High School in Reading, PA. By the age of twenty-five I made my Final Profession of vows as an MSC Sister.

My life as a Missionary Sister began in the classroom teaching grades one through seven for five years in various Catholic elementary schools and then at the secondary level (grades 9-12) for ten years. Called to serve my fellow Sisters in the 1980’s, I ministered as the Provincial Treasurer before becoming the Motherhouse Treasurer and then in 2004 the Motherhouse Coordinator. Later I served as the receptionist for our assisted living facility, Sacred Heart Villa in Reading.

Presently I live at St. Joseph Villa with several other MSC Sisters in the retirement facility of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters. Here we are well cared for and live a mission of prayer so that all people may come to know the love of Christ.”

Sister Virginia Marie’s life was a balance of prayer and service. She savored her educational and spiritual enrichment opportunities in the USA, the Holy Land and Australia. She treasured her year spent in Melbourne helping in the House of Hospitality.

Sister’s life changed dramatically however, when after being hospitalized with Covid 19, she returned to Saint Joseph Villa in need of complete care. She bore her limitations with grace. Recently her condition grew more serious, changing rapidly.  Monday morning her Lord came for her, in company with the many souls won by her prayer and suffering. We are grateful for the life and service of Sister Virginia Marie; to have known and loved her for so many years and to know her journey here is complete.

The viewing for Sister Virginia Marie will be at Holy Guardian Angels Church on Friday, January 31, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Internment in the MSC Convent Cemetery will follow the Mass.

 United in the Love of God,
Sister Lorraine Molchanow, MSC