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Sr. M. James Toth

Obituaries | The Tube City Almanac | July 03, 2025

“O sacrament most holy, O sacrament divine,

all praise and thanksgiving

be every moment Thine.”

Sister James was welcomed home by the Divine Redeemer on July 3, 2025. She had been preparing for this meeting with the Lord for many days.

She died very peacefully surrounded with the prayers of the Sisters.

Sister Mary James (Mildred Toth), the daughter of Michael and Anna Toth, was born in Cleveland, Ohio on April 17, 1922 and was a member of St. Margaret Parish.

Sister James entered the Sisters of the Divine Redeemer in 1942 and professed vows 2and ½ years later. She received her B.S. in Education from St. John’s College in Cleveland and began teaching grades 3-4 at St. Elizabeth School in Buffalo, New York. She also taught in Ohio (Cleveland and Fairport) and for many years in various elementary schools in Pennsylvania (St. Bartholomew in Penn Hills, St. Paulinus in Clairton, St. Michael in Elizabeth, and James Lavell in Munhall). Sister particularly enjoyed teaching second graders about the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. From 1964-1969 Sister was Novice Directress for those preparing to become Sisters of the Divine Redeemer. She also served on the Provincial Council from 1979-1982 and as Local Superior from 1983-1988.

When Sister James “retired” from teaching, she helped wherever she was needed including driving and always remained faithful to prayer. She had a special devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the Sacred Heart, and the Blessed Mother. Her soul burned in love for her Lord, the Divine Redeemer.

Sister James remained close to her family and was greatly loved by them all. The phone calls, frequent visits, annual vacations were always within the family setting.

On the lighter side, Sister James enjoyed playing pinochle with her family, working jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and word finds. During her teaching years, Sister enjoyed stamp collecting and looking for “rare” coins. She had a “sweet tooth” and enjoyed chocolates and desserts.

Sister James was preceded in death by her parents, Mr/Mrs Robert (brother) and Alvira Toth, Mr/Mrs Michael (brother) and Arlene Toth. She is survived by Mr/Mrs Edward and Louise (sister) Merker, many nephews and nieces, grand nephews and nieces.

Sister Mary James was the first Sister in our Congregation to have celebrated her 103 birthday. She lived a holy and fruitful life and was an example to all and greatly loved. May she rest in peace.

Friends will be received in the Divine Redeemer Motherhouse, 999 Rock Run Rd., Elizabeth Twp., PA 15037, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 4 PM to 7 PM and on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 1 PM until a Mass of Christian Burial at 2 PM with Fr. Edwin Wichman officiating. Burial will follow in the Motherhouse’s cemetery. Arrangements by the Daniel F. Bekavac Funeral Home and Crematory, 4504 Walnut Street, Versailles, PA 15132 (412) 678-3454 www.bekavacfuneralhome.com

Originally published July 03, 2025.

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