Sr.Elizabeth McMillan, RSM

Sister Elizabeth (Betsy) McMillan, RSM (Sister Mary Francis), a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 67 years, died at the Convent of Mercy on December 11, 2021. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., she was 85 years old. Daughter of Edward Louis and Elizabeth Loretto (Quinn) McMillan, Sister Betsy entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Margaret Parish in Narberth, Pa., in 1954 and made final vows in 1960.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University), a master’s degree from Marquette University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Louvain in Belgium. She taught at Carlow University from 1969 to 1982, the last years of which she worked as Dean of the College. Sister Betsy later assumed duties of Senior Associate for Catholic Health Association of the United States in St. Louis, Mo. In 1992, she moved to Central America, where she served for almost 15 years teaching and lecturing in Theology at Instituto Centroamericano de Ciencias Religiosas, Instituto Superior de Estudios Misioneros Pablo VI in Guatemala and working in Vocation Ministry in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. She returned to the United States in 2007.

Betsy’s entire life was in service to the needs of people and the Church. Multi-lingual, she never denied any request for her talents as she uprooted to wherever she was asked to go. Her brilliant mind was matched by her generous heart.

Betsy was such a bright and vibrant person. During her years as dean at Carlow, she helped many students not only with their academics but with their lives. She was truly a good friend.

Sister Betsy was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Edward and William. She is survived by her brother John. A private funeral liturgy will be followed by interment in St. Xavier Cemetery, Latrobe. Arrangements entrusted to the EDWARD P. KANAI FUNERAL HOME, 500 Greenfield Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213 or the Carlow University Scholarship Fund.

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