Sister Paulina Yurgel, CJC

Sister Paulina Yurgel, CJC, a Poor Sister of Jesus Crucified and the Sorrowful Mother, died June 8, 2024. Born and educated in South Boston, MA, Theresa Yurgel was the daughter of the late Vincent and Anna (Zakarevich) Yurgel, native of Lithuania. She joined the congregation of the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified at St. Mary’s Villa Convent in Elmhurst, PA and received the name of Sr. Paulina.

She earned a teaching certificate from Our Lady of Sorrows Teacher Training School (associated with Catholic University of America). Her B.S. in Elementary Education was awarded by Misericordia College, Dallas, PA.  She attended continuing courses at Marywood College, Scranton and she took graduate work at the Institute of Formative Spirituality, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh.

Sr. Paulina was a resourceful and experienced educator. She taught every grade from kindergarten through eighth; she also was a catechist and a principal. She was assigned to community schools in Pennsylvania: Plymouth, Frackville, Girardville, Tamaqua and Scranton; in Connecticut at New Britain; and in Massachusetts at Brockton, Cambridge and South Boston.

Sr. Paulina’s earliest assignment at St. Casimir School, Brockton was in 1952-1953. She returned to being part of that staff three more times, with her final position there in 2004-2005 as a second-grade teacher. Her leadership roles include terms as local convent superior, as director of novices and a Council Member. Many of her summers were spent in service to the elderly at St. Mary’s Villa Nursing Home, Elmhurst/Moscow, PA.

Survived by her devoted nieces and nephew, Marie O’Keefe, Theresa Cleary, and Robert Yanovitch and grandnieces and grandnephews. Predeceased by her brother, Rev. Anthony Jurgelaitis, OP, and sisters Nellie Yanovitch, and Sr. Baptista, CJC.

Calling hours will be held on Thurs. June 13 from 2-6 p.m. in Our Lady of Sorrows Convent Chapel, 261 Thatcher St., Brockton and her funeral Mass Fri. June 14 in OLS Convent Chapel at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow in the Convent Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the Poor Sisters of Jesus Crucified, Our Lady of Sorrows Convent, 261 Thatcher St., Brockton, MA 02302. Her funeral Mass will be livestreamed, kindly see www.waittfuneralhome.com or call 508-583-7272.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sister Paulina Yurgel, CJC, please visit our floral store.