Sister Maria Kassab CSJ

Passed on March 16, 2018. Sister was born June 17, 1923 in Houtzdale, PA the daughter of Frank and Mary (Bisher) Kassab and was a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sarah Kassab was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Detroit, Michiganat the time of her entance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth on July 1, 1945. She received the name Sister Maria at her reception on January 3, 1946 and pronounced first vows on January 3, 1948 and final vows on January 3, 1951. Sister Maria earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Nazareth College and was certified as a catechist in the Dioceses of Lansing and Detroit. She ministered for thirty-nine years as a teacher in several schools including St. Margaret Mary, Detroit; St. John, Davison; St. Christopher, Marysville and St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores. Upon leaving the classroom, for two years Sister Maria was a member of the House of Prayer in Pinckney, Michigan. In 1986 Sister Maria moved to Florida to be a companion to the sick and care for her two sisters Anna and Mary, who were both in poor health. After giving many years of loving, compassionate care to the sick and elderly, Sister Maria returned to Nazareth in 2005 because of failing health. Her many years of ministry were marked by a desire to see Christ in others and to be Christ to others. One of Sister Maria’s favorite Scripture passages, “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” describes well the focus of her life as a Sister of St. Joseph. In her quiet, simple way she lived each day to the fullest. She was a cheerful, generous who was always willing to be of help to others. A highlight for her was presenting the Nazareth sisters with her annual homemade baklava. Sister Maria was most grateful to the community, family and friends for their love and support throughout the years, and especially appreciated all the education and spiritual opportunities afforded her. Sister Maria spoke often of her relatives, St. Norman Kassab and St. Charbel Kassab, canonized saints from Lebanon. Surely they were there there to lead her to God’s loving embrace now in heaven. Surviving are nieces and nephews and the Congregation of St. Joseph. Friends will be received at Nazareth Center, Holy Family Chapel March 20, 2018 at 4:00 PM. A vigil service will be held March 20, 2018 at Holy Family Chapel at 7:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated March 21, 2018 at 10:30 AM, with Rev. Fr. Michael Howell internment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery to follow. Memorials may be made to the Congregation of St. Joseph, P.O Box 29 Nazareth, MI 49074.