Sr. M. Matilda Holtz, RSM

Sister M. Matilda (Mary Margaret) Holtz, a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 68 years, died at the Convent of Mercy on January 4, 2026. Born in Manchester, Iowa, on Valentine’s Day, she was 93 years old. Daughter of Thomas and Matilda (Raible) Holtz, Sister Matilda entered the Sisters of Mercy from Immaculate Conception Parish in Cedar Rapids, IA, in 1957 and made final vows in 1963.

Sister Matilda received a degree in Education from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University). She taught at many Catholic elementary schools, including Epiphany, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Winifred, St. Colman, North America Martyrs in Monroeville, Holy Family in Latrobe, and St. Agatha/Holy Child in Bridgeville, Pa. After retiring from teaching, Sister Matilda volunteered at the Convent of Mercy in Oakland in the arts and crafts area, making beautiful quilts. She also made sandwiches for distribution to people experiencing homelessness. She was as faithful in these retirement activities as she was in teaching.

Predeceased by her parents and siblings, Thomas Holtz, Gerald Holtz, Dolores Wilson, Paul Holtz, and John Holtz, Sister Matilda is survived by Sister M. Lucille Holtz, RSM, and Catherine Volz. A Vigil will take place in the Mother of Mercy Chapel at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 8. Family and friends will be received on Friday, January 9, from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. at the Convent of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Avenue. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Use the following link to view the Mass if you are unable to attend: https://vimeo.com/event/5631822/e937ed7f94. Interment will be at St. Xavier Cemetery in Latrobe. 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. Arrangements entrusted to the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home, 500 Greenfield Ave. 15207.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sr. M. Matilda Holtz, RSM, please visit our floral store.