WESTFIELD – Sister M. Marcella (Elizabeth) Meluch, OSF, 82, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, United States Province, in her 65 years of profession, died on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 in Westfield, MA. Sister entered the community from St. Peter Parish (St. Peter & St. Casimir Parish) in Westfield, MA in 1946 and professed her first vows in 1948 in Mount Assisi Convent Chapel in Pittsburgh, PA. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Mount Mercy College (Carlow University) in Pittsburgh, PA and a Master of Science in Library Science from the University of Villanova in Villanova, PA.Throughout her years of ministry, Sister Marcella taught kindergarten through eighth grade in many of the parish schools where our sisters ministered. She taught in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Oregon, West Virginia, and Massachusetts. She served in roles of leadership in the congregation as a general councilor in Rome, the provincial minister, and a provincial councilor of the former Bethlehem Province. Sister Marcella spent the last 30 years of her life ministering to the people of St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish while caring for her brother these last few years. She was known by the parishioners as a “go to person” and always willing to lend an ear.
Sister Marcella was the daughter of the late, John Anthony Meluch and Mary (Bekech). She was preceded in death by her brother, John. She is survived by her religious community; her sister, Mary Ann Chamberland; three nieces, three great-nieces and five great-nephews.
Visitation will be at St. Peter and St. Casimir Church on Monday, January 7th beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Arrangements have been made by the Cusack Funeral Home, Westfield, MA.
