Sister Jocelyn Serwatka, O.S.F.

✝ Monday, November 21st 2022

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"Jesus said, 'l tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood.” (Luke 21: 3-4)

Very early in the morning, at 12:57 a.m. on November 21, 2022, Sister Death came quietly to Sister Jocelyn Serwatka and presented her to God on the memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Sister Jocelyn, the former Isabelle Serwatka, was born in Madison, Illinois, on August 19, 1925, the daughter of Alexander and Natalia Sydloski Serwatka. She entered the Congregation on February 2, 1941 and professed her religious vows on October 4, 1943.

Sister Jocelyn graduated from St. John's Hospital School of Nursing, from Quincy University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, from Marillac College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and from St. Louis University with a Master's in Nursing. She earned a CPE Certificate from St. Mary's College, Kansas City, MO.

Sister Jocelyn served as a nurse in different roles at HSHS Hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. Sister also served in Missouri, Arizona, and as a Corporate Nurse Consultant for Nursing Home Managers in Springfield, IL. Other ministries include English Teacher, Pastoral Care at HSHS St. Mary's Hospital, Parish Ministry at St. Thomas Parish in Decatur, and Justice and Peace Coordinator for the province.

Sister Jocelyn was called to give her time and talents to God for the love of others, the upbuilding of the Church, and the spreading of the Gospel. Besides her nursing ministry, Sister was very passionate as the Justice and Peace Coordinator.

During her Pastoral Care Ministry, Sister was a very good listener, sensitive to the needs of people; helped families by supporting them after the death of a loved one. Sister was generous with her time by visiting all the Catholic patients at Decatur

Memorial Hospital during her Parish Ministry. She was a Grief Support Facilitator Team member when the Decatur Catholic parishes offered Grief Support Sessions at Our Lady of Lourdes and Coping with Grief during the Holidays at HSHS St. Mary's Hospital.

Sister spent several months in Japan teaching English to the Sisters in our Japanese Province. She was very organized and developed personalized lesson plans for each Sister.

Sister was a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. As a youngster she attended games by traveling by bus from her hometown; later, as a Sister, she was taken to the stadium by friends for many games.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Sigmund and Roman Serwatka, and two sisters, Irene Niedzwiecki and Adele Balcer.

She is survived by one brother, Stanley Serwatka of O'Fallon, Illinois, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews. We offer Sister Jocelyn's family and friends our sincere condolences and the prayerful support of the Christian community.

Visitation will be held at St. Francis Convent from 4:00-7:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 6.00 p.m. on Friday, November 25, 2022. The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at 10.30 a.m. in St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Convent. Burial will be in Crucifixion Hill