Vaulet

Sister M. Therese Vaulet (Sister M. Florita), a sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities (Millvale) died on Sunday, July 21, 2024, at The Waters of Wexford. She celebrated her 102nd birthday in May of this year.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Loretto A. Lorenz Vaulet; and her siblings, Loretto, Jeanne, Joseph, Virginia and James. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Mildred (Mid) Vaulet, in Butler; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and a cousin, along with many friends and her religious community.

Sister Therese was born in Butler. She entered the Millvale Franciscan Community on Sept. 8, 1939, from St. Peter Parish. She attended classes at Mount Mercy (Carlow University) and Duquesne University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in music education and a Master's degree in music education from Duquesne. She enriched her education over many years, taking summer theology courses at Mount Alvernia, and religious education classes in Johnstown and many other places. She loved to learn. Her ministry included grade school teaching until 1954, followed by high school teaching from 1965 to 1969. From 1978 to 1988, she was principal of St. Joseph School (Johnstown Catholic) in Johnstown.

Returning to the Pittsburgh area in 1969, Sister Therese taught English and music at Mount Alvernia High School in Pittsburgh for 10 years. Over the years, her love of music led her to conduct children's and adult choirs, give piano lessons and direct operettas and choral presentations. In 1976, Sister Therese received an award for Outstanding Leaders in Elementary and Secondary Education (U.S. Department of Education) followed by Teacher of the Year Award (1977) from the American Catholic War Veterans. Sister Therese's ministries after 1988 included campus ministry at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (St. Thomas More Parish, Newman Center), public relations and activities in the 1990s for her community, and liturgy coordinator at Mount Alvernia from 1998 to 2019.

Sister Therese continued her liturgical ministry when the Sisters of St. Francis moved to The Waters of Wexford in 2019. Sister Therese shared her guidelines for living a long life: be positive, be around young people, keep on learning, and play and enjoy music in your life. She did them all, and her love of music permeated her very being. She sang the song of her life as a family member, a Franciscan sister and friend to all. Her life was a symphony of praise to God and all creation. We thank God for the many ways she inspired us all to sing and celebrate the music of our lives.

The Sisters of St. Francis are grateful to the staff at The Waters of Wexford and Bethany Hospice for their compassionate care for Sister Therese.

VAULET — Viewing for Sister M. Therese Vaulet, who died Sunday, July 21, 2024, will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Aidan Parish, St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Highway, Wexford. Interment following Mass will be at Mount Alvernia Cemetery, Millvale. Livestreaming may be available; please check the parish website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, 225 Greenfield Parkway, Suite 208, Liverpool, NY 15088.

Professional services are by D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 4522 Butler St., Lawrenceville.

Please visit www.dalessandroltd.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.