Sister Nancy (Thomas) Hupert, CSJ, 88, died Wednesday, January 8, 2025, in the 71st year of her religious life. The daughter of John D. and Eleanor Boylan Hupert, Sister Nancy entered the Congregation from Cathedral Parish in Altoona, PA.
Sister Nancy spent 19 years ministering as a teacher and principal in schools in the Pittsburgh and Johnstown dioceses, including St. Bernard in Pittsburgh (1957-60, 1986-92), St. Veronica in Ambridge (1961-64), and St. Thomas More in Bethel Park (1964-68, 1976-86).
She approached education as a partnership between parents and teachers, fostering faith development and academic growth by encouraging students to “use God’s gifts in helping others.”
In 1992, Sister Nancy began a new 26-year ministry in health care, first serving as vice president and later as a consultant to the South Hills Health System, now AHN Jefferson. With her warm and welcoming presence, she contributed to the congregation’s long legacy in health care. She was grateful for a ministry that enabled her “to be an instrument of peace, hope, and compassion to patient and families at a time of true poverty and vulnerability.”
A co-worker once wrote that Sister Nancy seemed to have spiritual radar. “When one of us is at our lowest, she seems to appear with an encouraging word, a gentle smile and, frequently, with a printed prayer or inspirational verse.”
Sister Nancy nurtured lasting relationships across all levels of the hospital system by getting to know each employee and volunteer. Attentive and compassionate, she greeted everyone by name, asked about their children and families, and recognized their service and contributions.
“Developing relationships over the years has been truly a gift, and my presence at Jefferson has been a privilege,” she said shortly after celebrating her retirement. “It was an honor to encourage and motivate employees to extend quality and compassionate care. I thank God every day for this privilege and for all whom I have met at Jefferson.”
Sister Nancy is survived by a brother Jack Hupert, two sisters Carolyn Hupert, her twin, and Mona Hupert Greco, nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-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 Nancy.
Services for Sister Nancy
Friends will be received Sunday, January 12, from 1 p.m. to the close of the Prayer Vigil, which begins at 6 p.m., and Monday, January 13, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Medaille Hall at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, January 13, at 3 p.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel. Get directions to the Motherhouse and Chapel.
Donations in the name of Sister Nancy 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 Nancy.
