Sr. Patricia Freiman RSM

Sister Patricia Freiman (Sr. Marcellina), a Pittsburgh Sister of Mercy for 74 years, died at the Convent of Mercy on March 23, 2026. She passed away one day shy of her birthday. Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., she was 90. Daughter of Joseph and Agnes (Kelly) Freiman, Sister Patricia entered the Sisters of Mercy from St. Agnes Parish in Oakland in 1951. She made her final vows in 1957.

Sister Patricia grew up with Mercy. She attended and graduated from St. Agnes School, which was staffed by Sisters of Mercy, only to enter the Sisters of Mercy as an aspirant, then Our Lady of Mercy Academy as a postulant and novice.

Sister Patricia earned a degree in education from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University). In her ministry, she had been a primary teacher in Mercy schools for more than 50 years. She taught at St. Elizabeth, St. Colman, Epiphany, St. Paul Cathedral, Holy Family, St. Cyril of Alexandria, and St. Francis Xavier/Risen Lord. In addition, she served as principal at St. Cyril of Alexandria School.

After retiring from teaching, Sister Patricia volunteered as an activity caregiver at Mercy Hall at the Motherhouse in Oakland. She shared her gentleness and humor as she helped the Sisters retain their skills through word games, puzzles, bingo, and music.

She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Joseph, Sister Mary Rose Freiman, IHM, Reverend Thomas Freiman, O.Carm, Jean Baker, Agnes Freiman, Clare Freiman, and Martin Freiman. Sister Patricia is survived by cherished nieces and nephews.

A Vigil will take place in the Mother of Mercy Chapel on Thursday, March 26, at 4:30 p.m. Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 27, 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. You can tune in to the Mass through this

livestream link: https://vimeo.com/event/5823010/0c6b84ff8d Interment will follow at St. Xavier Cemetery in Latrobe, Pa. Arrangements are entrusted to the EDWARD P. KANAI FUNERAL HOME, 500 Greenfield Avenue. In place 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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