“For you alone are my hope, Lord,I have trusted you since my youth
I have relied on you since I was born,
You have been my portion from my mother’s
womb, and the constant theme of my praise.”
Psalm 71:5-6
These words of the psalmist describe Sister Dorothy Ruth Varga’s life and love. Especially during her time in hospice care, Sister carefully and peacefully prepared to meet her Lord, the Divine Redeemer. He came for her at 1:35 p.m. on September 27, 2018.
Sister Dorothy Ruth Varga, (Sister Mary Jerome), was born on February 10, 1931, to John and Theresa Varga, in Cleveland, Ohio. She had two older sisters, Gizella and Mary and a brother John; all have preceded her in death.
She attended St. Margaret School in Cleveland and was taught by our Sisters; she wanted to attend Divine Redeemer Academy but her parents decided that she should remain at home and attend Notre Dame Academy. Her desire to be a Sister grew stronger and after her graduation in 1949, she decided to enter the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer. Her joy overflowed as she made her First Profession in August 15, 1952.
Sister earned a BS in Education at St. John College in Cleveland, and later a MA in Education and in Guidance/Counseling. Additional studies prepared her as Director in Religious Education and later, in parish social ministry (Duquesne University in Pittsburgh). Sister taught at St. Emeric School and St. Elizabeth School in Cleveland, Ohio and Holy Trinity School in Barberton, Ohio. She also taught at St. Michael School in Elizabeth, PA and St. Paulinus School in Clairton, PA. Sister served as CCD Director and as Parish Social Minister at St. Isaac Jogues in Elrama, PA for twelve years. She enjoyed bringing Jesus and visiting the elderly and shut-ins. In her later years at the Motherhouse, Sister’s ministry was being a prayer support to all who asked and called for prayers.
Sister had great devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She also found a great friend in Saint Father Pio. Her love of the Lord and her faithful prayer life sustained her throughout her many years of poor health. Prayer was precious for her and her days were punctuated with prayer, interceding for others and their intentions.
Sister Dorothy enjoyed handwork. She would work her magic with plastic canvas, including lovely door decorations which she made for the Sisters, family, and friends. Often, she worked out a pattern to match a name and all this was done in the person’s favorite colors. Making the pieces brought joy and then giving them to others increased this joy in the giver and the receiver. Dogs of all sizes and shapes, were her special creatures of God.
God bless you Sister Dorothy, and continue to intercede for us with the Divine Redeemer.
May she rest in peace.
