Sr. Louise Kovalovsky, CDP

Age 72, of McCandless Township, on Wednesday, August 22, 2012. Sister Louise, formerly Sister DeMarillac, entered religious life from Saint Malachy parish in Kennedy Twp. She was inspired by the Sisters of Divine Providence at St. Mary Help of Christians, McKees Rocks, PA, finding them to be excellent teachers. From an early age, she loved art and took art classes throughout elementary and high school. Prior to entering the Community in 1962, she attended Ivy School of Professional Art. She earned a Bachelor's degree in history from La Roche College and a Maste's degree in education from Loyola University of Chicago and taught at the upper elementary level for a number of years including St. Basil, Carrick (1968-71), and St. Alphonsus, Springdale (1971-80), where she was also principal. Sister Louise served as pastoral associate at Blessed Sacrament parish in Warren, OH, (1977-80) and as director of religious education at St. Rose parish in Girard, OH, (1981-82). In 1994, she returned to college and earned a Bachelor's degree in studio arts from the University of Pittsburgh. She began her ministry in elementary education (1966-78) in a number of diocesan schools, including St. Anne's, Castle Shannon, St. Basil, Carrick, and St. Alphonsus, Springdale. A gifted artist, she experienced the power of art in a special way while ministering among the Chicano people in Colorado (1982-83), empowering them to use their artistic gifts to reclaim their heritage. In addition to watercolor, she worked in the mediums of clay, photography, graphic art, paper collage, fabric, dance, gardening, and interior decorating. She was a case manager at Sisters Place in Clairton (1997-2000), and women's program coordinator at Providence Family Support Center (2000-03). Most recently, she was college archivist at La Roche College, a position she held since 2005. She previously served as director of campus ministry (1986-92) at the College. Preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Marie Preininger Kovalovsky. Survived by her sisters, Frances (Charles) Hays, Lansdale, PA, and Arlene (John) Buettler, Langhorne, PA; and Sisters of Divine Providence and Associates throughout the world. Friends received Friday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Providence Heights. Wake service Friday at 7 p.m. Funeral Mass 4 p.m. Saturday in the Mother of Divine Providence Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Divine Providence Retirement Fund, 9000 Babcock Boulevard, Allison Park, PA 15101 or at www.divineprovidenceweb.org. Arrangements by ANTHONY G. STAAB FUNERAL HOME, INC.

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