Sr. Veronica Cipar, Osu

Sister Veronica Cipar, educator, massotherapist Individuals who attended Ursuline College from 1960 through 1992 likely remember Sister Veronica Cipar (then Sister M. Cleopha) as a Spanish professor or as the “Dorm Mother” in Murphy Residence Hall. But the passionate and charismatic language teacher and guide also touched countless lives in her second career as a massage therapist. The much beloved educator and wellness minister died May 29 at Regina Health Center, where she had been in residence since 2013. Sister Veronica was 81.

Sister Veronica was the youngest of five children born to Martin and Mary (Kollar) Cipar in Barberton, Ohio. Their SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish family was foundational in Veronica’s life and introduced her to Ursuline Sister Agatha Paul who taught in the school there. That relationship led Veronica to Ursuline College and, following her graduation in 1956, to the Ursuline community. She professed final vows in August 1962, and went on to earn a master’s degree at Western Reserve University and a doctorate in Hispanic language and literature from the University of Pittsburgh. Her doctoral focus was Saint Teresa of Avila’s Way of Perfection.

Sister Veronica began her teaching career as a junior professed sister, teaching novices at the motherhouse, before launching a 28-year tenure teaching Spanish at Ursuline College. She left the classroom in 1992 and engaged in ministry with Latino families at the Hijos de Borinquen, a social services agency serving the needs of Cleveland’s Hispanic community.

In 1994 Sister Veronica discerned a different call — to become a massotherapist – to assist her sisters and others. She was given the green light to pursue studies at Ohio College of Medical Arts, and in 1995 opened her practice in the Ursuline Sophia Center. Fellow Ursuline Sister Elaine Berkopec chronicled Sister Veronica’s work in massotherapy in a feature article in St. Anthony Messenger (July 2001). Through the years many individuals offered testimonials to her skill and her sensitivity, and to the healing and relief they experienced through her ministry.

Her final ministries were tutoring in the Ursuline Institute of Learning, and serving in the ministry of prayer.

Sister Veronica will be remembered for her sensitive heart and deep spirituality, for her ready laughter and frequent tears, and for her healing touch. She was a committed religious, a dedicated teacher and colleague, a loving sister and loyal friend.

Sister Veronica is survived by a sister Maryanna Vondriska, brother Stanley (Susan) and nieces and nephews. Brothers Martin and Paul preceded her in death.

Services for Sister Veronica: Wake: 3:00 PM Thursday, June 2 Chapel of the Most Holy Trinity Ursuline Educational Center/ Motherhouse Funeral Mass: 7:00 PM, Thursday Burial Service: 9:30 AM Friday, June 3 Interment: Immediately following at All Souls Cemetery

ARRANGEMENTS BY DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID.