Sister Maliya (Lillian) Hock, CSJ, 94, died Thursday, February 8, 2024, in the 77th year of her religious life. The daughter of John C. and Ellen McIntyre Hock, Sister Maliya entered the Congregation from St. Titus parish in Aliquippa. She shared the charism with her older sister, who entered four years prior.
For more than 55 years, Sister Maliya nurtured the hearts and minds of children in the Pittsburgh and Altoona-Johnstown dioceses. She ministered as a teacher in ten schools, including St. Joseph in Natrona (1950-56, 1961-63), Annunciation in Pittsburgh (1956-58), St. Joseph Academy in Ebensburg (1960-61), and St. James in Sewickley (1987-2005).
She also served as principal at St. Bede (1963-65), St. Raphael (1965-75), and Nativity (1978-85) in Pittsburgh. Known for her caring and reassuring presence, Sister Maliya strived to encourage her students to overcome obstacles in the classroom and beyond.
While at the Motherhouse, Sister Maliya volunteered in the congregational post office and relished the opportunity to read after she finished sorting mail and weighing packages. She enjoyed books of every genre with a special fondness for historical novels and poetry, especially verses by Emily Dickinson.
Sister Maliya’s contemplative nature and passion for learning often took her on literary journeys to explore history, culture, and spirituality. Reading “teaches me things I’d never know otherwise and takes me to places I’ve never been,” she once said.
Though she quietly described herself as “self-contained,” Sister Maliya’s desire to serve God and neighbor was stirred at a young age by witnessing her mother’s deep prayer life. Through her own faith, she was “called out of herself in service to others” as a Sister of St. Joseph.
Predeceased by her two siblings, Sister Francis de Sales Hock, CSJ, and John W. Hock, Sister Maliya is survived by nieces and a nephew, grand-nieces and a grand-nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews, 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 Maliya.
Services for Sister Maliya
Friends will be received Thursday, February 15, from 1 p.m. to the close of the Prayer Vigil, which begins at 6 p.m., and Friday, February 16, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Medaille Hall at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Get directions to the Motherhouse.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, February 16, at 3 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel.
Donations in the name of Sister Maliya may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, Development Office, 1020 State St., Baden, PA 15005. Make an online donation in memory of Sister Maliya.