Posted June 06, 2023 in Obituaries

Beacon of Hope

Sister M. Brigetta Waldron was described as a “beacon of hope” in a letter written to a foundation just six years ago.  In her octogenarian years, Sister Brigetta was still applying for grants for academic success for students in the inner city of Cleveland. She never gave up her determination on behalf of children in the pursuit of educational excellence.  What a role model for educators everywhere!

Brigid Agnes was born 90 years ago to Patrick and Beatrice Waldron, the sixth sibling before another four younger brothers and sisters joined the sizable family. Her faithful Catholic family presented her for the sacraments of initiation at Assumption Church in Geneva, Ohio before they moved to St. Aloysius Parish in Cleveland. After graduating from the parish school, Brigid attended Villa Angela Academy and entered the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland months after completing her senior year. She followed the example of her aunt, Sister Mary Patrick Prendergast, OSU, her sister, Mary (Sister Angela Marie, OSU), and then was joined by her younger sister, Catherine (Sister St. Ann, OSU), some years later. Faith and family were always intertwined in her life.

While attending Ursuline College and St. John College, Sister Brigetta taught at Holy Cross School and St. Joseph School (Collinwood) and professed her final vows. She continued her ministry in elementary education until 2019, serving as both teacher and administrator, including teaching CCD to the deaf. Other schools graced with her gifts include St. William School, Immaculate Conception (Cleveland), St. Timothy School and Archbishop James P. Lyke Elementary School, the latter where she was Co-Principal and Director.

Archbishop James P. Lyke Elementary School was formed as a merger of St. Timothy and St. Henry and St. Catherine (which included many other inner city schools throughout the years.)  It was considered a “beacon in the neighborhood,” and it was while she served there that Sister Brigetta was first named a “beacon” herself. She had a deep passion for Catholic education for the children of the city of Cleveland. Sister Brigetta will always be remembered as industrious and dedicated, moving swiftly through the halls to be the first to serve, to notice, to care. She also modeled collaboration with other religious congregations and lay companions knowing that this teamwork would benefit students and their families.

Creating a sound moral foundation for students, based on her own faith life and the teachings of the church, will remain a hallmark of Sister Brigetta’s commitment. Staying connected to siblings, nieces and nephews and her good friends will remain an attribute for family, community and colleagues to emulate. A beacon of hope and faithfulness in the city and the hearts of many will be a treasured way to remember our sister.

In the final years of her life, Sister Brigetta moved to Light of Hearts Villa where her wit and sparkling eyes were a blessing to staff and residents.  Preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Beatrice and her siblings, Patrick, Mary (Sister Angela Marie, OSU), James, John, Margaret, William, Roseann, Catherine (Sister St. Ann, OSU), she will be remembered by those who survive her with joy and gratitude: her brother Gerald (Claire) and Harold (Kathy), nieces and nephew, colleagues and friends s as well as her Ursuline Sisters.

Services for Sister Brigetta will be held at Holy Spirit Church, 4341 East 131st St., Garfield Hts on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Visitation will be at 10 am before Mass at Holy Spirit Church.

Interment All Souls Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland: www.ursulinesisters.org.

Arrangements by  DeJohn-Flynn-Mylott.