Sister Mary Stefana ND 6022 PDF Download
Stefania OSREDKAR
Immaculate Conception Province, USA
Date and Place of Birth: December 16, 1944 Slovenija, Yugoslavia
Date and Place of Profession: August 16, 1967 Chardon, Ohio
Date and Place of Death: December 7, 2025 Health Care Center, Chardon, OH
Date and Place of Burial: December 15, 2025 Resurrection Cemetery, Chardon
“Come to me all who labor; I will give you rest.”
Stefania was the fourth of eight children born to Anton and Mariann (Bogataj) Osredkar. Stefania spent the first eight years of her life living with her grandfather on his farm in Yugoslavia. Her life-long love for nature and animals came from caring for the farm animals and helping in the fields. The family had moved from their home in Slovenia to a camp in Austria, awaiting official permission to enter the United States. When in the second grade, she received a travel visa and joined her family in Austria. They came to the United States, arriving in Cleveland on May 26, 1956. With the help of her teachers and friends, Stefania met the challenge of learning English as she progressed through school.
At St. Peter High School in Cleveland, staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame, she enjoyed the study of English and religion. Having considered religious life since the sixth grade, the strong yet simple faith of her family and the high school retreats confirmed her decision to enter the convent. Stefania became a postulant on August 22, 1964; at investment she received the name Sister Mary Stefana.
Sister Mary Stefana devoted her life to the care of others. Having looked after her younger siblings when both parents worked, she was well versed in cooking, housekeeping and the responsibilities of child care. For more than thirty years Sister ministered in food service at the provincial center and other large SND convents in Ohio and Middleburg, Virginia. She enjoyed cooking and worked hard to fulfill her many duties. Sister was usually quiet and did not speak a great deal, but her welcoming smile and interest in the sisters were gifts freely given.
A new ministry opportunity opened for Sister Mary Stefana in 2000 when she was assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Amherst, Ohio. For fifteen years she spent early mornings and late afternoons interacting with and watching over the school children in the Extended Care program. She was also a member of the Pastoral Care team. Visits to the sick and elderly in the parish were treasured by those who came to know her simple goodness and loving presence. She was a wise, compassionate listener.
Sister Mary Stefana returned to the Chardon provincial center in 2019. She served her sisters in community, participated in the SND Prayer Line ministry and cherished her time for prayer. Sister’s love for her family was immeasurable. She was a support to each member as they celebrated the joys and sufferings of daily life. As her health declined these past three years, Sister was at peace. She fulfilled the deepest desire of her heart “…to come closer to God and to help people who are less fortunate than I am.” We are grateful for the gift of Sister Mary Stefana’s life among us. May she rest in arms of our good and gracious God.
