Sister M. Bernardine Golonka, the former Stella Golonka, died peacefully Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Marian Manor. She was 97 years old. Sister Bernardine entered the Sisters of the Holy Spirit from Madonna of Czestochowa Parish in New Castle, PA. She attended Mt. Mercy College and Duquesne University, where she earned a master's degree in secondary school administration and supervision. She taught in parish schools. In the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Youngstown, and was also principal in some of those schools and vice principal at Holy Ghost High School. Having graduated from St. Francis Hospital's School of Nursing, Sister Bernardine earned a master's degree in medical-surgical nursing at the University of Pittsburgh. This initiated a long career as nurse educator in institutions of higher learning at the University of Southern Mississippi, Edinboro University, Duquesne University and La Roche College. Sister Bernardine was also the director of the School of Nursing and Nursing Service at King's Daughters Hospital In Martinsburg, WV. She was later elected to the administrative body of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, where she was the director of ministries. Prior to her retirement, Sister was director of communications for the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. In addition to the Sisters of the Holy Spirit, Sister Bernardine is survived by many cousins. Friends will be received at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit on Monday, February 9, 2015, between 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., followed by interment in the cemetery of the Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Professional services trusted to THOMAS M. SMITH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, LTD., Blawnox. Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb Published in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette from Feb. 8 to Feb. 9, 2015.