Ann O ’ Connell , RSM ’ 71
Sister Ann O ’ Connell passed away on January 25 , 2022 at 77 years old . Sister Ann graduated from then- Gwynedd Mercy College in 1971 with a bachelor ’ s in elementary eduation . As GMercyU ’ s longest-tenured board member , Sister Ann was immensely proud to be a Griffin .
In her early ministries , Sister Ann served as a teacher and administrator in both elementary and secondary schools . Following her time in the classroom , Sister Ann transitioned to ministry leadership and later served as Vice President of Mission Services at Mercy Suburban Hospital and Mercy Hospital of Philadelphia .
The Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas shared the following :
Sister Ann lived her motto each day , joyfully expressing gratitude for God ’ s gifts . In her many ministries throughout the years Ann greeted everyone she encountered with a vibrant joy , fully living her yes .
Eleanor O ’ Grady , RSM
Sister Eleanor O ’ Grady passed away on December 23 , 2021 at 89 years old . Sister Eleanor transferred to the Sisters of Mercy in 1978 after 20 years of ministry as a Bernardine Sister .
Sister Eleanor lived her vow of service serving in administrative roles at GMercyU that included various positions in the Registrar ’ s Office and then Assistant Academic Dean . She continued her ministries with Catholic Social Services for Delaware County Mercy Suburban Hospital , and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Respect for Life Program .
The Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas shared the following :
“ Sister Eleanor was known to drop in unexpectedly on a sibling or one of her many nieces and nephews . She continued the impromptu “ drop in ” after she went to McAuley Convent and was a frequent visitor to the sisters residing there . She enjoyed travel and exploring new adventures . Her love of the ocean drew her many summers to volunteer to help at the vacation house in Sea Isle City , NJ .”
Helen Nelson ’ 92 /’ 93
Helen Nelson passed away on October 9 , 2021 at 69 years old . Helen was a proud alumna , earning a bachelor ’ s in business administration , and a longtime friend and benefactor of Gwynedd Mercy University .
A strong advocate for education , Helen served on GMercyU ’ s President ’ s Council from 2007-2018 and was a member of the Board of Trustees from 2019 to 2021 . Helen and her husband Erik were inducted into the Founder ’ s Society in 2015 for their lifetime contributions to the University .
One of the many initiatives Helen supported was the experience of travel . The Edward J . and Olga P . Piszek Endowed Scholarship , in memory of Helen ’ s parents , provides recognition and financial assistance to students who participate in a travel program through the University .
Helen was the daughter of the late Edward Piszek , who owned Mrs . Paul ’ s Kitchen before selling the company to the Campbell Soup Company in 1982 . In the 1970s , Helen founded The Copernicus Society of America , an organization dedicated to promoting Polish culture in the United States .
Joseph Maureen Szarek , RSM ’ 89
Sister Joseph Maureen Szarek passed away on January 23 , 2022 at 85 years old . Sister Joseph was a proud GMercyU alumna , earning her associate degree in Cardiovascular Technology in 1989 .
Prior to earning her degree at GMercyU , Sister Joseph taught primary grades in dioceses in Richmond , Va ., Allentown , Pa ., Havelock , N . C ., and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia . After earning her associate degree , Sister Joseph ministered at Mercy Philadelphia Hospital as an EKG technician .
The Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas shared the following :
Patients , medical staff , personnel loved and respected her . They came to look forward to her gentleness of presence and the twinkle in her eyes .