Sr. Mary Ann Karas, RSM

Sister Mary Ann Karas (Sr. Mary Zachary), a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 79 years, died at Mercy Hall at the Convent of Mercy on July 29, 2025. Born in Delmont, Pa., she was 98 years old. Daughter of Matthew and Anna (Yadrick) Karas, Sister Mary Ann entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. John Baptiste de LaSalle parish in 1946 and made final vows in 1952.

Sister Mary Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carlow University and a Master of Education degree from Duquesne University. She taught in area Catholic schools, including St. Peter’s, McKeesport, and St. Clare in Clairton. In addition, she was principal at St. Vincent’s in Latrobe, Lawrenceville Catholic Middle School, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Pius X in Pittsburgh. After retiring from teaching, Sister Mary Ann ministered in the Convent of Mercy to the community as director of environmental services and as a pastoral care minister.

She was a disciplined, intentional, spiritually grounded person who brought order and purpose to every aspect of her life. She nurtured relationships with care but also knew when to say no.

Sister Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers, Matthew Jr., Joseph, John, Stephen, Mark, and Reverend Stephen (Charles) Karas, and four sisters, Rose Remic, Kathryn Causa, Barbara Holland, and Margaret Camp. A vigil service will be held at the Convent of Mercy on Thursday, July 31, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Family and friends will be received Friday, August 1, from 9:00-9:45 a.m. at the Convent of Mercy, 3333 Fifth Avenue. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday at 10:00 a.m. in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy, followed by interment at St. Xavier Cemetery in 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.

The funeral will be livestreamed: https://vimeo.com/event/5283638.

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