Sister Carmelita Augustine, CSJ, 89, died Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in the 68th year of her religious life. The daughter of Nicola and Carmella Giralamo Augustine, Sister Carmelita entered the Congregation from St. Lucy Parish in Mahoningtown, Pa.
For 29 years, Sister Carmelita served in the Dioceses of Columbus and Pittsburgh, teaching primary students at St. Catherine in Pittsburgh (1960-63), St. Andrew and St. Matthew in Ohio (1963-66), St. Mary in New Castle (1966-67), St. Margaret Mary in Lower Burrell (1967-79) and Mount Gallitzin Academy (MGA) in Baden (1981-82, 1985-91). Preparing students to receive the sacraments gave her immense joy.
During the three-year pause in teaching at MGA, Sister Carmelita served as a teacher/missionary in Liberia, which she said was one of her most rewarding ministries. “Meeting missionaries from other countries and the people of West Africa allowed me to experience a Third World culture and gave me a new appreciation for all that we take for granted,” she recalled at her 50th Jubilee.
From 1993-2010, Sister Carmelita supervised housekeeping services at St. Joseph Convent where lay staff and retired sisters alike described her as industrious, generous, and humble. For the next seven years, she served as a part-time driver for the sisters. She volunteered in the Development Office, served meals at The Ladle food pantry in Ambridge, and made sandwiches for the Salvation Army.
In her interactions with staff, sisters and neighbors, Sister Carmelita said she strived daily to model the Congregation’s spirit of “fostering a sense of unity and good relations.”
Predeceased by her three brothers, Lee Augustine, Condi Augustine, and Nick Augustine, Jr., Sister Carmelita is survived by nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and great-nieces, Associates, and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden. The Sisters are grateful to the Supportive Living staff at the Motherhouse for their care of Sister Carmelita.
Services for Sister Carmelita
Friends will be received for a Prayer Vigil on Wednesday, July 9 at 6 p.m. in Medaille Hall at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, July 10 at 4 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. Get directions to the Motherhouse and Chapel.
Donations in the name of Sister Carmelita may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, Mission Advancement Office, 1020 W. State St., Baden, PA 15005. Make an online donation in memory of Sister Carmelita.