Sister had respect of peers as she guided Catholic schools in Greensburg diocese
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Sister Marguerite Moya Coyne, who served as the superintendent of schools for the Catholic Diocese of Greensburg from 1998 to 2003, was known for her love of children and education, her friends and co-workers said.
“She was a stellar woman and one of the best persons I’ve ever worked with,” said Monsignor James Gaston, who was director of education and spiritual formation when Coyne was associate superintendent of Catholic schools in the Greensburg diocese.
Coyne, 80, a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph of Baden, died Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Baden.
She was born Oct. 8, 1940, in Pittsburgh, the daughter of Michael and Helen King Coyne, who were born in County Galway, Ireland.
“She had strong Irish roots,” said her lifelong friend, Sister Jeanne Rodgers of Baden. “She talked about God being in all of creation. She always taught the children about finding God in nature.”
Coyne’s passion for education lead her into teaching when she became a member of the Congregation of St. Joseph. She taught for nine years in the dioceses of Pittsburgh, Altoona-Johnstown and Greensburg. She became principal at parochial schools in State College and at Ambridge Area.
From 1987 to 2003, Coyne worked in key leadership positions in the Greensburg diocese.
“She was very dedicated to the Catholic schools,” said Monsignor Roger Statnick, who was vicar general of the diocese when Coyne was superintendent.
After serving as an educational consultant for three years, she was associate director for schools for three years, then associate superintendent from 1993 to ’98.
During her tenure as superintendent under Bishop Anthony Bosco, she directed the regionalization of 15 schools and oversaw the budgets of 32 schools.
“She had the respect of everybody,” said Gaston, priest of Our Mother of Sorrows Church of Murrysville. “She was very perceptive and really understood people and human nature.”
The regionalization of schools — closing parish schools to transition to a single school — presented its own set of challenges for Coyne.
“She had a real sensitivity to the students, the parents and the staff of the school,” Statnick said.
Rodgers saw in her friend “an innate ability to listen to people, to listen deeply.”
Coyne also initiated a policy that directed diocesan funds to schools in areas of poverty. The Congregation of St. Joseph is known for taking care of those who are poor, Rodgers said.
She helped lay the groundwork for the Sisters in Healthcare History Project at Slippery Rock University and Heinz History Center, the Sisters of St. Joseph said.
Coyne is survived by a sister, Anna (Vincent) Coyne Cimino of Hartford City, Ind.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be scheduled at a later date.
Donations may be sent to the Sisters of St. Joseph Memorial Fund, Development Office, 1020 State St., Baden, PA 15005.