Sister Mary James Yashkas, CJC

Sister Mary James Yashkas, CJC, a Poor Sister of Jesus Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother, died Sunday, December 3, 2023. Born in Sugar Notch, PA, Anna Yashkas was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Yencharis) Yashkas of Lithuania. She was an active member of St. Peter and Paul Parish, Sugar Notch. Anna graduated from Hanover High School in Lee Park, PA; she worked in a grocery store and became its manager.

At age 23, Anna entered religious life in the congregation of the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified in Elmhurst, PA and was called “Sister Mary James”. For a short interval she used the name of “Sr. Ann Marie”. She furthered her studies at Our Lady of Sorrows Teacher Training School (an affiliate of Catholic University of America), Brockton, MA; she earned a BS in Education at Misericordia College, Dallas, PA. She fulfilled many community teaching positions as catechist, elementary-grades teacher and/or principal. She was assigned in Massachusetts—Cambridge, South Boston, Norwood, Lawrence and St. Casimir Parish, Brockton; in Pennsylvania—Frackville, Wilkes-Barre, Plymouth/Lyndwood, Tamaqua, Girardville, Carbondale and Scranton; and in New York—Amsterdam.

Later she spent many years at St. Mary’s Villa in Elmhurst/Moscow, PA.  Her pastoral care work was at the Villa Nursing Home and at the Villa Personal Care Center. Art was her life-long interest. When she retired from the field of education, she spent many hours painting. Her media was watercolor. She delighted in gifting others with her art pieces.

She is survived by her niece and nephews in Shavertown and Ashley, PA. Predeceased by her sisters and brothers: Leo, John, Charles, Frank, Mary Gills, Mildred, Morris, and Stella.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 13th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Sorrows Convent Chapel, 261 Thatcher St., Brockton, funeral Mass to follow in OLS Convent Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow in the convent cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified, Our Lady of Sorrows Convent, 261 Thatcher St., Brockton, MA 02302. 

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