Sister M. Charlotte Abel, OSB
September 24, 1917 - January 1, 2011

Following the death of her sister Ruth, December 10, Sister Charlotte Abel showed a marked change in her condition, withdrawing more and more into herself until she, herself slipped away in the early morning of January 1, 2011, at Saint Benedict Monastery. She was 93 years old and in the 74th year of her Religious Profession.

The third of eleven children, Helen Mary Abel was born September 28, 1917 to parents Charles and Henrietta Miller Abel in the farm country of Hastings, PA. In September of 1934, Helen Mary, who wanted to be a Sister through all her years of growing up, came to the Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh to enter religious life. After becoming a novice in July 1935, she became known as Sister M. Charlotte. She made her First Profession on July 11, 1936, and her Final Profession on July 11, 1939.

From 1936 – 1985, Sister Charlotte ministered as teacher and principal in Catholic Schools in the Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Altoona-Johnstown Dioceses. She was a very good teacher who inspired her students. In 1986, her excellent cooking skills made her a natural to serve as Nutrition Director at the Benedictine Senior Center, which she did until retiring in 2003.

Short in stature, she was a spunky soul who loved vibrant colors and was always ready to try new things. She loved to cook and to share new recipes. We will remember her entering a room with her slow and deliberate drawl: “Charlie’s here!” Even in her later years she liked to be in the midst of things. Very sociable by nature, she especially enjoyed her afternoon snack times in the monastery lunch room. She was a woman of strong faith who loved her Benedictine.

She is survived a brother, Robert Abel, from Fayetteville, GA., as well as nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers: Paul, Thomas, Oscar, Russell, Gordon and Raymond, and by sisters: Ruth, Margaret and Regina.

Viewing for Sister Charlotte will be at Saint Benedict Monastery from 2:00 – 6:30, Tuesday, January 4. The funeral will be Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Kasper/Hahn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh.

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