SR. ISABEL BETTWY

Sister is a 1951 graduate of Altoona Catholic High School. Following graduation, she entered the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill in Greensburg, Pennsylvania from Saint Mary’s Parish in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from Seton Hill College and a Master of Science degree in Physics from Purdue University, Sister taught high school physics and mathematics for many years in western Pennsylvania and Arizona. In the early seventies, as a member of the House of Prayer Experience in New Jersey, she became involved in evangelistic outreach. In 1976, Sister began working at Franciscan University in Steubenville where she established and directed the Christian Conference Center. In 1985 she founded and directed Franciscan University Press and University Journeys. For several years Sister Isabel served as the Director of The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Sister retired from active ministry in 2000 and returned to live in Steubenville, Ohio.

In 1984, Sister Isabel renewed her religious commitment under the ancient Rite of Consecration of a Virgin. She is the Founder and Director of the Merciful Mother Association and has led 85 pilgrimages to Medugorje. Her 85th pilgrimage occurred when she was 85 years old. Sister is the author of the book, “I Am The Guardian of the Faith,” which recounts the reported apparitions of the Mother of God in Ecuador. She was a member of Triumph of the Cross Catholic Church in Steubenville, Ohio and a member of the Community of God’s Love in Steubenville, Ohio.

Sister was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Vincent J. Bettwy, Sr., and her two sisters, Sister Mary Leon Bettwy, S.C. and Adelaide C. Kurtz. She is survived by her brothers, Theodore S. Bettwy, PhD and Leroy J. Bettwy, 19 nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces/nephews and great, great nieces/ nephews.

Visitation will be held Friday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 200 Rosemont Ave., Steubenville, from 12:00 pm until time of Mass at 2:00 pm, Fr. Matthew Gossett will celebrate. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Altoona, PA.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Triumph of the Cross Building Fund, 200 Rosemont Ave., Steubenville, OH 43952.

Offer condolences, www.mostifuneral home.com