Shaler sister brightened lives with music, humor

Daveen Rae Kurutz

Jun. 15, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Every Christmas, Sandy Lowe knew to expect a musical phone call from Sister Rose Kroha, her great-aunt. Each year, Sister Kroha would bring Christmas tidings to her family with holiday songs on one of her five harmonicas.

"She was always really cheery," said Lowe, of Butler. "She always brought a smile to our faces."

Sister Rose Esther Kroha of Shaler died Friday, June 12, 2009, at Mt. Alvernia, just one month after celebrating 75 years as a Sister of St. Francis. She was 92.

Sister Kroha joined the congregation at age 12 along with two of her sisters, said Mary Elizabeth Greb Merritt, a niece. During her years with the order, Sister Kroha worked in nursing and was an elementary schoolteacher. She taught third grade throughout the Pittsburgh area and enjoyed working with children, Merritt said.

An accomplished card player, Sister Kroha often kept her siblings and other relatives laughing at large family gatherings every holiday.

"She was a character," said Merritt, of Charleston, S.C. "She loved telling jokes and playing those harmonicas -- you couldn't stop her from playing."

Sister Kroha's zest for life brought a smile to the sisters at Mt. Alvernia, said Sister Joanne Bich, a longtime friend. From 1981 until 1998, Sister Kroha served as the sacristan at Mt. Alvernia, decorating the altar daily. She often picked wildflowers to adorn the altar.

"She loved creation, loved life," Sister Bich said. "She was artistic and wonderful with artificial flowers. She would make a corsage for special occasions to do something nice for the other sisters."

Sister Kroha's love of artificial flowers left a mark in her family, as she arranged and designed the flowers for Merritt's wedding. Merritt still keeps the bridal bouquet her aunt made for her and Lowe shares her great-aunt's love of flowers.

Sister Kroha was known around St. Alvernia for her love of jokes. Sister Bich said her friend would often burst out laughing in the middle of telling a joke because she found it so funny.

"She had a love for life and would make everyone smile when they came," Bich said. "She did anything she could to make life more enjoyable."

Sister Kroha was preceded in death by nine siblings: brothers Frank, Leo, Daniel (Lou), Tony and George Kroha, and sisters Mary Cowan, Anna Kroha, Sister Luella Kroha and Dorothy Marshalwitz. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4:40 p.m. today at Mt. Alvernia, 146 Hawthorne Road, Shaler. Vespers will be at 4:45 p.m. today at Mt. Alvernia. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 5 p.m. in Mt. Alvernia Chapel, with burial in the Sisters' Cemetery at Mt. Alvernia. Daniel T. D'Alessandro Funeral Home in Lawrenceville is in charge of arrangements.

Newstex ID: 35752329