Sister Lois Jean DiFalco, OSF

January 11, 1935 - MAY 25, 2025

Sister Lois Jean DiFalco (formerly known as Sister Lucia), a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, United States Province, died on May 25, 2025, at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 90 and in her 69th year of religious profession.

A 1952 graduate of Canonsburg High School, Sister entered our community from St. Patrick Parish in Canonsburg, Pa., in 1955 and professed first vows in 1956 at Mount Assisi Convent Chapel in Pittsburgh. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Carlow College (now Carlow University) and a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University.

During her years of ministry, Sister Lois Jean taught in elementary and secondary schools in the Pennsylvania dioceses of Allentown, Erie, Greensburg and Pittsburgh and in the archdioceses of San Antonio, Texas; Newark, N.J,; and New York, N.Y. After teaching for more than 30 years, she served as director of religious education and parish social minister in several parishes. From 2007 to 2010, she taught English at our Slovak Sisters’ high school in Zilina, Slovakia. Later, she volunteered for four years at Providence Family Support Center in Pittsburgh.

Sister also served as director of Associates for seven years, and in various roles at Mount Assisi Convent for 10 years. She moved into personal care at Mt. Assisi Place in 2020, where she remained a faithful participant in prayer ministry.

In addition to her community life and ministry, Sister Lois Jean participated in the Focolare Movement. Inspired by the Gospel and approved by the Catholic Church, its mission is to foster unity among people of all cultures, races and religions. A key Gospel passage for the movement is Jesus’ New Commandment: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

Sister Lois Jean was preceded in death by her parents, John and Julia (Natale) DiFalco; and her brother, Joseph. She is survived by her nephews, Dirk and Kirk DiFalco; her niece, Rebecca Monaca; her sister-in-law, Helen DiFalco; and her religious community.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on May 30, 2025. Sister is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the School Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund here or by mail to: 4900 Perry Highway, Suite 201, Pittsburgh PA 15229.