Sister Josetta Marie ND 6573 PDF Download
Phyllis LIVIGNANO
(natural sister of deceased Sister Mary Trina, 2013)
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: October 10, 1939 Cleveland, Ohio
Date and Place of Profession: August 15, 1982 Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: October 15, 2023 Health Care Center, Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Burial: October 26, 2023 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon
Phyllis and her sister, Marie, (two years older) were the only children born to Joseph and Concetta (Caputo) Livignano. They grew up in a neighborhood of Cleveland where the first Italian immigrants had settled and were always proud and appreciative of their Italian heritage – it was an integral part of their lives. The girls experienced a happy, loving home life. “Our parents taught us respect for people and property, and gave us a legacy of love to share with everyone we met.” (autobiography) Phyllis attended SS Anthony-Bridget Elementary School and then St. Peter High School, both staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame.
At St. Peter’s, Phyllis followed the business program, her favorite subjects being shorthand and typing. These were great assets for future employment! She was impressed by the dedication of the Sisters as educators and as women religious and was convinced that she could best serve God in religious life. Phyllis realized that she could not enter the convent immediately after graduation as her sister Marie had done. She recognized that God was calling her to fulfill the need to support and care for their parents. She described this time, more than twenty-two years, as “a blessing and a privilege” and always felt that the love and prayers of Sister Mary Trina were with her.
She was employed by the Ohio Bell Telephone Company, spending eighteen years as a long-distance telephone operator and then doing clerical work for the company. She was proud of her work and the responsibility it entailed. On days off, Phyllis joined family members, friends and co-workers for various activities and enjoyed her favorite pastime – cheering on Cleveland’s baseball team. She was a loyal, life-long fan!
In 1979, at age 40, Phyllis came to Chardon as a postulant. Her openness and sense of humor, life experiences and professional training, and her faithful prayer were building blocks for this new way of life. At investment she received the name Sister Josetta Marie. Ministry to and with her sisters in community was a cherished gift. Whether serving as an aide in the Health Care Center or as a receptionist at the switchboard, Sister Josetta Marie was a welcoming presence. She assisted in the Notre Dame India (Global) Mission Office, eager to connect with and thank donors for their generous support. Sister worked with accuracy and dilligence at data entry in the archives. For twenty-one years she delighted in teaching second grade at St. Mary Parish School of Religion in Chardon. Each child was special and precious.
Sisters Josetta Marie and Mary Trina were able to spend sixteen happy years together in the provincial center. Cousins and other relatives, neighborhood friends and classmates, former students and their families are all part of Sister’s Notre Dame extended family. Her life among us is cause for joy and gratitude. May Sister Josetta Marie rejoice in eternal life!
by Dreamhost