Kuzma, Veronica Dc Sr.

Menands- Sister Veronica Kuzma D.C died on Sunday March 19, 2017, at St. Louise House in Menands. Sister was born on March 7, 1923 in Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania. Both her parents immigrated to the US, her father Adam in 1902 from Frankfurt Germany and her mother Mary Theresa from Austria. Veronica is the ninth of ten children. Her youngest sister, Irene, was also a Daughter of Charity. Veronica was baptized in the Byzantine rite.

Sister Veronica was educated in Hazelton, PA.Then pursued a nursing degree at St. Joseph College in Philadelphia, PA. where she met the Daughters of Charity. In Boston University Sister Veronica obtained her Master’s in Public Health.

After completing her nursing degree she decided to enter the Daughters of charity community.Sister Veronica ministered for 71 years in a variety of missions, Carney Hospital and Laboure Center, in Boston, Pottsville, PA, Troy, NY, and Bolivia, South America.

Sister Veronica was missioned to Bolivia, South America for 33 years to minister to the poorest of the poor, patients with Leprosy now known as Hansen’s disease are of people who have no one to take care of them. From this point forward Sister Veronica would spend most of her life working with persons suffering with Hansen’s disease.She provided hands on nursing care, studied at international centers of excellence in the disease, visited every major treatment center around the world, and became a part of the cutting edge research and treatment for the disease. She became a member of the World Health Organization.Her work took her to Argentina, Hawaii, India, Spain, France, Germany and points beyond.In the course of her work she learned Spanish, French and German, and has often served as an interpreter to aid those in need.

Sister Veronica had the opportunity to minister to the people at Good Samaritan Hospital, Pottsville. She contributed significantly to the Pastoral Care and Education departments.She frequently translated and was called any hour of the night or day to translate for the Spanish emigrants that came to the Emergency Department.

In 2010, she joined the ministry of Prayer at St. Louise House, and served there until the time of her death .

Sister Veronica was predeceased by her parents and siblings. She is survived by her nieces and nephews Joseph Tizekker, Irene Tizekker De Angelo, Catherine Kuzma Furner, James Kuzma, Judy Conahan Campanell, John Conahan, Kathleen Mc Fadden.She is also survived by several great and grand nieces and nephews.

A wake service for Sister Veronica Kuzma, D.C. will be held on Wednesday March 22, 2017 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the DePaul Provincial House Chapel, 96 Menand Road, Menands. A Mass of Christian Burial for Sister Veronica will be celebrated on Thursday March 23rd at 10:30 a.m. in the DePaul Chapel.Burial will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery Menands.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Daughters of Charity, Provence of St.Louise, 4330 Olive St., St. Louis, MO 63108