Sunday, April 22, 2001
VILLA MARIA, Pa. -- Services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Villa Maria Chapel, for Sister M. Nativity, H.M., 81, of Villa Maria, who died Friday in the Villa's Community Center.
Sister Nativity was born Lois Heaney on May 11, 1919, in Lakewood, Ohio, a daughter of George and Anna Lynch Heaney.
She entered the Order of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary in 1951 from St. Luke Parish in Lakewood, professing first vows in 1953, final vows in 1956.
A 1936 graduate of St. Augustine Academy in Lakewood, she received a bachelor's degree in 1940 from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, registered nursing degree in 1943 from St. John Hospital School of Nursing, Cleveland, and a master's in nursing administration in 1949 from Western Reserve University/The Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing in Cleveland.
Before her entrance into the Order, Sister was a decorated veteran/flight nurse in the Army Air Corps, serving during World War II with the rank of second lieutenant, and had also been administrative supervisor at Lakewood Hospital for six years.
Sister Nativity ministered as a registered nurse, instructor, director of nursing services and ecumenical outreach, working at St. Joseph Hospital, Lorain, and Rose-Mary Center in Euclid, and was appointed Charismatic Young People's Leader at St. Joseph High School, where she conducted "Life in the Spirit" retreats.
She served in the Youngstown Diocese as head nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital in 1953-54, and as its director of nursing services in 1956-64.
In the Pittsburgh Diocese, she was director of stamp ministry at Villa Maria Community Center in 1978-94, and was assistant sacristan and prayer minister from 1978-01. Sister Nativity was celebrating her 50th anniversary in the order this year.
She leaves several nieces and nephews, and her sisters in the Humility of Mary Congregation.
A sister, Clair Smith, and a brother, George Heaney, are deceased.
Friends may call from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the chapel, where a prayer service will be at 7:30 p.m.; and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Contributions may be made to the Sisters of Humility of Mary, Villa Maria, Pa. 16155. Arrangements are by McVean & amp; Hughes Funeral Home.
4/22/01