Sister Sophie Tarhanich, O.S.F.

Sister M. Sophie Tarhanich, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis of the U.S. Province for 76 years, died on Monday, November 26, 2007 at Monocacy Manor at the age of 94. Sister Sophie entered the community from Holy Trinity Church in Simpson, PA in 1929 and professed her first vows in 1931 at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, PA. She spent many years cooking for the sisters and also taught kindergarten in some of the schools. She performed her ministries in various convents and schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. In 1963 Sister Sophie was transferred to Monocacy, the motherhouse of the former Bethlehem Province. From 1964 she continued her domestic duties for the sisters and taught kindergarten in the dioceses of Allentown, Paterson and Newark until 1977. In 1978 until 2002, Sister Sophie continued her domestic duties and for some years helped as a development office aide at Ss. Cyril and Methodius Convent in Bethlehem, PA. Because of her age and failing health, she was transferred to Villa Clare at Monocacy where she spent the last seven years of her life in her ministry of prayer.

She was the daughter of the late John Tarhanich and Mary Anna Danko. She is survived by two nieces and one nephew.

She was preceded in death by one brother and five sisters.

Viewing will be at Monocacy Manor, 395 Bridle Path Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18017, Tuesday, November 27th from 6-8 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 28th at 11:00 a.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel at Monocacy Manor, Bethlehem, PA. Arrangements have been made by the Connell Funeral Home in Bethlehem, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in Sister Sophie?s name to the School Sisters of St. Francis 395 Bridle Path Rd. Bethlehem, PA 18017.