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At the age of 84, Sr. Mary Ellen Rufft, went to her eternal reward on June 29, 2022. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA, on November 1, 1937, and was baptized in St. Basil and was given the name, Catherine Louise Rufft. She entered the Sisters of Divine Providence on September 8, 1957 and made Final Vows on August 15, 1965. In 2001, Sr. Mary Ellen was the recipient of the Woman of Providence Award given by La Roche College (University) to a person who has demonstrated a deep and vibrant relationship with our Provident God. Early in her ministerial career, Sr. Mary Ellen taught in Junior and High Schools in Pittsburgh and Harper Woods, MI. She was then appointed Directress of young Sisters in Formation, as well as the Director of Studies for her religious community. In 1972, Sr. Mary Ellen was associated with La Roche College (University) when she served as a Lecturer in English and American Literature until 1976. Sr. Mary Ellen was in private practice as a Licensed Counseling Psychologist in downtown Pittsburgh. Her work included individual and marital therapy. She lectured on topics related to applied psychology, women, and leadership. Beginning with 1985, Sr. Mary Ellen had held elected leadership positions in the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence. She served one term as a Provincial Council member and two terms as the Provincial Director. Sr. Mary Ellen’s life as a scholar in literature and psychology was nurtured as she pursued Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in English from Duquesne University and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She earned a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1981. Sr. Mary Ellen is the daughter of the late Elmer and Ellen (Healy) Rufft. She is the sister of Rose Ellen (John) Goda and the late Mary Jean Rufft and Jo Anne (James) Emery. She is survived by nieces, nephews, and the Sisters of Divine Providence and their Associates. Fully vaccinated family and friends are invited to the Mother of Divine Providence Chapel for viewing on Friday, July 1st, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7 p.m. The Mass of the Resurrection is to be celebrated on Saturday, July 2nd, at 3 p.m. in the Sisters’ Chapel, 9000 Babcock Blvd., Allison Park, PA 15101. A livestream will be available at: https://video.ibm.com/channel/Q4zW6rUvwPq. Burial to follow in Providence Heights Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 9000 Babcock Blvd., Allison Park, PA 15101. Arrangements entrusted to ANTHONY G. STAAB FUNERAL HOME INC., 900 Chartiers Ave., Pgh, PA 15220.
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Sisters of Divine Providence
9000 Babcock Blvd., Allison Park PA 15101
Web: https://cdpsisters.org