What's Happening?
Sister Sally (Sarah) A. Villa, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, passed away at the age of 81 on November 17, 2025. Born in Rochester, New York, Sister Sally dedicated
38 years to religious life after initially pursuing a career in nursing. She graduated from Livonia High School and received her nursing education at Craig Colony Hospital School of Nursing, later earning an AAS nursing degree from Alfred State College. Her journey into religious life began after a personal illness led her to Erie in 1981, where she connected with the Sisters of St. Joseph. She entered the congregation in 1988 and made her final profession in 1994. Sister Sally's ministry focused on nursing, particularly hospice care, serving at Saint Vincent Health Center and Great Lakes Home Health Care. She balanced her roles as a Sister, mother, and grandmother, and was known for her hobbies in sewing and photography.
Why It's Important?
Sister Sally's life and work highlight the intersection of healthcare and religious service, demonstrating the impact of compassionate care in hospice settings. Her dedication to nursing and her religious community underscores the vital role of healthcare professionals in providing end-of-life care, a field that requires both medical expertise and emotional support. Her story is a testament to the contributions of religious communities in healthcare, offering a model of service that integrates spiritual and physical care. Sister Sally's legacy serves as an inspiration for those in nursing and religious vocations, emphasizing the importance of holistic care approaches.
What's Next?
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on November 20, 2025, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Community Living Center in Erie, Pennsylvania. The Mass will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Memorials can be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph Mission & Ministries Foundation, supporting the ongoing work of the congregation. Sister Sally's passing may prompt reflections on the role of religious communities in healthcare and inspire future initiatives in hospice care.
