2021 Jubiliarian
“A coal miner’s daughter,” Sister Eleanor (Kenneth) McCoy fondly recalls teaching as the great joy of her life. “I really loved my students,” she says, grateful to spend 25 years forming the hearts and minds of elementary students in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh, Altoona-Johnstown, and Columbus, OH.
Entering the community from St. Bonaventure in Blacklick in 1941, Sister Eleanor first set foot in the classroom at St. Bede’s in Pittsburgh (1944). She later taught at St. John in Johnstown (1949-55), Sacred Heart in Altoona (1956-63), and St. Pius X in Reynoldsville, OH (1963-67) before transitioning into parish ministry at St. Thomas More in Bethel Park (1970-71), St. Paul in Butler (1971-80), and Christ the Divine Teacher in Chippewa (1987-91) as Director of Religious Education.
For seven years, Sister Eleanor coordinated Religious Education for the Wheeling-Charleston Diocese in West Virginia, a focus rooted in her conviction that “the most effective religious education takes place on the adult level.” She served as a driver and as assistant Sacristan in the chapel upon her return to the Motherhouse in 1992.
Prayer forms the center of community life for Sister Eleanor, whose quiet devotion, kindness to all, and tender smile evince the joy of God’s love.
Send a note to Sister Eleanor or make a donation in her honor.
