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Mary Jane Tygielska was born to Joseph and Mary Tygielska March 26, 1939 in Lansdale, PA the oldest of five children, Dolores, Joseph, Theresa, and John. After her family moved to Philadelphia, she entered Saint John Cantius School where she first encountered the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. This was where according to Sister Therese, “The seed of a religious vocation was planted and nurtured.” It was then only natural for her to spend her high school years at Nazareth Academy. After graduation, she worked for three years in an advertising office while attending night classes at Saint Joseph’s College (now University). She completed her BA in Education at Holy Family University and her MBA at Temple University in Health Care Administration.
She responded to the call to religious life and became a postulant in Meadowbrook, PA on September 8, 1960. Mary Jane received the name Therese as a Novice and added the mystery Mary, Mother of Good Counsel at her final vows.
Sister Therese’s story continued as a teacher at St. Adalbert’s School in Philadelphia and Sacred Heart of Mary School in Baltimore, Maryland. Then she was asked by her Provincial to study Health Administration.
From1972-2015 Sister worked at Nazareth Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, as Administrative Assistant, Assistant Administrator, CEO, Vice-President for Mission, and Director of Spiritual Care.
During these years, Sister Therese lived at Infant Jesus Convent adjacent to Nazareth Hospital and offered her services as a General Chapter delegate in Rome in 1980 and 1983; a Board Member at Holy Family University from 1983-2005; a Provincial Councilor in August 1995-2001; and a Board Member of Mission and Ministry from 2010-2018.
In 2013, Sister transferred to Jesus of Nazareth Convent while continuing her activities at Nazareth Hospital. She also took up volunteering at Mount Nazareth, especially being a receptionist on the first floor.
This past year, Sister Therese moved to Mount Nazareth before being transferred to Wesley Enhanced Living for rehabilitation and care, and then to Nazareth Hospital. Sister Therese was eventually placed on hospice and returned home to Mount Nazareth. The comfort she gave to so many people in her ministry was now being given to her.
On the bright, beautiful morning of August 23rd, Jesus and his Mother came to escort Sister Therese to her heavenly home. May she rest in peace!
