Bethlehem University of the Holy Land Mourns the Death of Sister Miriam Joseph Dolmovich
May She Rest In Peace
Our good friend and colleague, Sister Miriam Joseph Dolmovich, died of cancer Wednesday, 20 July 2005 in the Sisters of Divine Providence provincial house, McCandless, Pennsylvania, USA. She was 80 years old: ten months and two days into her fifty-sixth year of religious life.
During the very early years of Bethlehem University, Sister Miriam Joseph was the Vice President of Finance for 11 years, serving in this most vital position from 1979 – 1990.
"Bethlehem University is deeply indebted to Sister Miriam Joseph for her significant work in laying a firm financial foundation for the University," said Brother Daniel. "In recent days numerous faculty who knew Sister Miriam Joseph well spoke with me about the love and commitment she showed to the young men and women of Bethlehem University during her eleven years here. Her generous spirit will long be remembered," he said.
We commend to your charity the soul of our beloved Sister Miriam Joseph Dolmovich. Please join us in thanking God for the goodness of Sister Miriam as we pray for her eternal happiness.
In reflecting on the pivotal role that Sr. Miriam played in her leadership position during the founding years of Bethlehem University, Mr. Sami El-Yousef, current Vice President for Finances, said, "Sr. Mariam put in place sound financial policies and procedures for the University as she managed so well the financial affairs of the university during very challenging times, especially during the first Intifada. Sister was passionate about the University and all who worked here. She established the tradition at Bethlehem University that the first financial obligation that should always be to meet the employee salaries on-time."
Upon hearing of the death of her good friend, Ms. Fernande Delaby (Ms. Bie), who succeeded Sister Miriam in the Finance Office, said, "I was indeed one of the lucky ones to work with Sr. Miriam for many years. She trusted each one of us in the office, knew how to share responsibly and, thanks to her qualities, we were able to form a team and were happy to work together. She gave herself without measure. Sister Miriam was not only a woman of duty but also a woman of prayer. She was very faithful to her daily Eucharistic celebration but never said a word about it."
Brother Joe, the President of Bethlehem University when Sister Miriam began her service at the University, echoed the comments of others at the University who spoke glowingly of the dedication and generous talent of Sister Miriam. Highlighting her "great devotion to the students and their well-being," Brother Joe described Sister Miriam as "a great gift, a wonderful person and a wonderful Sister."
"For me, Sister Miriam was indeed a true friend. In times of Israeli military closures of the University, Sister Miriam dared to report for work, even amidst tear gas at times. Indeed, she loved Bethlehem University," recalls Ms. Chuchi Pacia, who was the Library Director at the University from 1977-1983. "Sister Miriam was a very dedicated and committed religious and very professional as well. I did enjoy her company in visiting many of the Holy Places, especially going to Nazareth and Ibillin where we visited the birthplace of Saint Miriam Bawardi of the Carmelites," reflected Dr. Mellie Brodeth, Library Director from 1983-1991.
Conditions were volatile and tensions often high between Israelis and Palestinians during the 11 years Sister Miriam Joseph spent in Bethlehem. In letters to Sister Joan, her Provincial Superior in the United States, she told of uprisings, of Israeli soldiers occupying the University in 1983 and of her desire to work for reconciliation, writing once that "being a Christian in the Holy Land is not a problem so much as a responsibility to work for peace.''
Sister Miriam was the youngest of nine children and entered the Convent of the Sisters of Divine Providence in the USA in 1949. She earned her Bachelor's degree in business education from Duquesne University and her Master of Business Administration degree in 1962 from Notre Dame University. Sister Miriam Joseph's thesis, "The Effective Use of Womanpower in Business,'' was published in the 1974 issue of Catholic Business Education Review.
In 1990, as she neared age 65, Sister Miriam Joseph returned to the United States and received an invitation from the Columbus Dominicans to be their General Treasurer, serving in this capacity for 9 years. In 1999 she returned to the Divine Providence community in Providence Heights to retire and to rest. In the last month with her community they were very shocked and saddened to find that she had only a short time to live due to very aggressive cancer.
It is not a surprise that, on the occasion of her 50th Jubilee, Sister Miriam claimed John:14: 27 as her favorite Scripture: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; a peace the world cannot give, this is my gift to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid." What a wonderful mantra for a person who lived that gift so fully and courageously!
Sister Miriam Joseph is survived by a brother, Edward Dolmovich of Shaler; two sisters, Ann Schad of the North Side and Frances Jessy of McCandless.
Notes of condolence – which will be forwarded to the Sisters of Divine Providence in the United States – can be directed via email to jcurran@bethlehem.edu
Click here for more information about Sister Miriam Joseph Dolmovich
Sister Miriam Joseph Dolmovich – Newspaper – 24 Aug 05.doc
Sister Miriam Joseph Dolmovich – Sisters Web Site.doc
