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Sister Mary Elaine Peters

Nov. 4, 1928 – April 29, 2021

Sister Mary Elaine Peters, a member of the Sisters of Mercy, died Thursday at Mercy Center, Dallas, Pa. She was born in Nicktown, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Schirf) Peters, one of 15 children. She entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1949 and professed her final vows in 1955.

A Sister of Mercy for 72 years, and educated at College Misericordia, Dallas, Sister Elaine had a diverse ministerial life. During her early years, she taught elementary students at several schools in Western Pennsylvania. She was also a principal at Our Lady of Lourdes School, Altoona; St. Bernard School, Hastings, and Holy Cross School, Spangler. She was also a reading specialist assisting individuals with special needs. She served St. Nicholas Parish, Nicktown as a director of religious education. Later in her career, she was a pastoral outreach minister for St. Mark’s Parish, Altoona. During her later years, Sister Elaine served many in her Ministry of Prayer at Mercy Center. Her motto, “Ecce Ancilla Domini” (Behold the Handmaid of the Lord) fittingly expresses her love of God and her commitment to her vocation.

Sister Elaine remained devoted to her extended family. Her nieces and nephews knew their beloved “Aunt Hilda” to be compassionate and strong, often considering her a second mother.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and several siblings.

Surviving are her sister, Lucy Smolko of Johnstown; and her brother, Raymond Peters of Salix; and many devoted nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 3, 2021, at the Sisters of Mercy Cemetery, Mount Aloysius College, Cresson.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Mercy Center, P.O. Box 370, Dallas, PA 18612.

Arrangements are by E. Blake Collins Funeral Home, Wilkes-Barre.

Condolences can be made at eblakecollins.com.