There is an appointed time for everything.
— Eccle 3:1
Sister Grace Koszela, a Franciscan Sister of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025. Sister Grace, nee Genevieve, was the sixth of nine children to bless the the lives of Louis and Rose Koszela. Baptized at St Casimir Parish in St Louis, MO, her faith was deeply influenced by her large Polish family and her attendance at St Casimir Parish Elementary School. Sister entered the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 1946, professing first vows in 1949 and final vows in 1952. She embraced her Franciscan vocation with faithfulness and a contagious smile for 76 of her nearly 100 years on earth. Everything she did, everywhere she served, everyone she met, was for her an appointed time of grace.
Sister’s initial ministry was that of a domestic at St Louis Prep Seminary. After earning a BS in Education from St Mary’s College in Omaha, NE, she went on to further her skills as a Catholic school educator by earning an MA in Education from Adams State College in Alamosa, CO. For 46 years she served in Catholic education as teacher and principal. Sister Grace brought love and joy into every classroom and to each child. Her ministry led to adventures in the states of Missouri, California, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, New Mexico, Nebraska, West Virginia, Ohio, and Michigan.
While she thoroughly enjoyed serving in the field of Catholic education, the ministry that gave her the greatest joy was serving 12 years as pastoral minister in the mountains of West Virginia. She and her dear friend, Sister Miriam, were truly God’s joyful troubadours. Always ready with a joke or a story, they were the visible healing compassionate presence of Jesus. They rode many miles on the winding country roads of West Virginia, experiencing the beauty of the mountains as they brought the Bread of Life and shared sacred Scripture and song with countless homebound and ailing parishioners. These encounters enriched and deepened Sister Grace’s already rich spiritual life. Upon leaving West Virginia, one of Sister’s pastors stated in the parish bulletin, “These women are among the last of that vast number of religious women who gave of themselves so willingly and unselfishly to work for the Lord. They are the ones to whom much credit must go for making the Church the great family it is today in our country.”
Sister Grace’s active ministry among God’s people culminated in her 2008 retirement to Mother of Perpetual Help Assisted Living Residence at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services in St Louis. She brought her sunny disposition and joy to become a precious part of the community of elders. She continued to enjoy her great love of reading and playing games that stimulated her brain. Her great devotion to the Blessed Mother and her many rosaries brought healing to so many. In 2024, she enjoyed a wonderful 99th birthday party and her 75th jubilee, and admitted to anticipating her 100th birthday noting “if that’s what the Lord wants”. When she was asked to comment on her numerous years in community and the longevity of her life, she stated, “This time allows me to enjoy quiet times that are mine to be with the Lord.”
Sr. Grace’s smile and positive spirit accompanied her throughout her long life, transforming it into a song of gratitude to her Creator. Delight in being in the eternal presence of your loving Lord, Sister Grace!
