December 14, 1922 – July 5, 2023

Anna Mary Palchik was born in Pottsville, PA on December 14, 1922 to John and Jennie Palchik. Both parents were immigrants from Austria. Her father was a miner. Anna had three older brothers John, Michael and Stephen. Anna’s mother Jennie died when Anna was very young. Their father couldn’t care for the children and they were put in foster care. Anna did keep the connection with her brothers. Anna completed eight years of education and by age sixteen began working as a domestic.

Before entering the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity in 1944, Anna worked as a polisher in a defense plant.

Anna entered from Resurrection Parish in Philadelphia. Her pastor Fr. Ryan endorsed Miss Anna Palchik as an applicant as he felt she would fit in beautifully with the community and its work.

When she entered the Novitiate she received her Religious name and Mystery: Sr. Anthony Therese of the Sacred Heart. She made her First Profession March 25, 1946 and three years later her Final Profession on March 25, 1949.

In 1953 she received her High School Equivalency Diploma from Hunter College’s School of General Studies. She completed a Kindergarten Training Course.

On an Experience Background Form from 1968, It’s noted that Sr. Anthony Therese had been in the Community 24 years. She had been assigned 15 years in Catechetical Work& Parish Work, 7 in a Settlement House, 5 years in Domestic Work and 3 years in Census Work. Sister attended many trainings and workshops but she didn’t have the opportunity to study on a college level. Nevertheless she touched many people of all ages with her kind service.
She lived in a variety of cenacles in Auburn, NY, Rockford, IL, Steelton, PA, Brooklyn, NY (Dr. White)., Pen Argyl, PA, In Bethany, OK at the Orphanage, Philadelphia, PA at Don Bosco, back to Dr. White, Rego Park, NY and Richmond, Hill, NY, Montgomery, AL, Philadelphia, PA Summer Court, Holy Redeemer, Philadelphia, PA, Birmingham , AL Brooklyn, NY, Motherhouse for five years, Blessed Trinity Shrine Retreat for 4 years. Motherhouse for 6 years Wareham, MA, New Bedford, MA.

Sister Anthony Therese valued being a hard worker. Her evaluations often mention her hard work, her dependability and her empathy towards others.

In the 1990’s Sr. Anthony lived in a small apartment in New Bedford, MA. where she was able visit and to minister to Seniors. She enjoyed living alone as she liked having space for contemplation and prayer.

In her file there is a series of letters from Dr. Telles. From 1991 -1992 Sister Anthony Therese cared for his mother in law, Mrs. Resendes.

He wrote, “We are all so grateful for all she has done and the manner in which she has responded to a very demanding and at times difficult situation. She came into our lives and my family at a time of dire need and she made possible an easy transition for us in dealing with my mother in law. I’m am so grateful for her patience and understanding.”

Sr. Anthony Therese lived in New Bedford until 2006 when she was missioned to the Motherhouse. The transition was difficult but she was able to manage it with help from friends. Another challenge came as she moved to Wesley Enhanced Living with a group of our sisters in 2014. A source of consolation for her was going outdoors. She so enjoyed time in the fresh air, birdsong and flowers. She was 100 years old and still very physically active. Unfortunately last spring she suffered some broken bones in a fall. She felt it was time to return to the Lord as being bound to her bed or a wheel chair just wasn’t living.
Sister Anthony Therese was devoted to Jesus particularly in the mystery of His Sacred Heart. We could always depend on her prayers, especially in difficult times. Her favorite hymn was, “O Take Me to Thy Sacred Heart.”

O take me to Thy Sacred Heart and seal the entrance o’er
That from that home my wayward soul, may never wander more.
Yes, Jesus take me to thyself, I’m weary waiting here.
I long to lean upon Thy breast, to see and feel Thee near.