Posted August 1, 2025

Sister Nicoletta Maria DiTrolio, RSM, age 77, a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, died peacefully on July 27, 2025, at McAuley Convent, Merion, PA.

Nicoletta, the firstborn child of Nicholas and Evelyn DiTrolio, was warmly welcomed into their loving hearts on October 6, 1947.  Nickie, as she was fondly known by her family and friends, became the big sister to her eight siblings, taking her role as the oldest quite seriously.  Nickie’s phenomenal memory enabled her to become the family archivist, storing and sharing the details of each sibling’s birthdays and special family events in her mind and heart.

Faith was the cornerstone of Nickie’s life, nurtured by her parents and developed through her Catholic education at Sacred Heart School Manoa and Archbishop Prendergast High School.  Nickie’s deep love of God and desire to serve God’s people led her to follow the call to religious life, entering the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy on September 11, 1966. She professed her first vows on June 18, 1969, choosing “Father, in Your Will is my Peace” as her lifelong motto.    Immediately, Nickie’s many gifts were at the service of others as she freely and unassumingly shared her keen intellect, musical talents, and good measure of common sense. An avid reader,  Nickie was a source of information on various topics, and her love of college sports made her an expert on their detailed stats!

Degrees from Gwynedd-Mercy University and Temple University prepared Nickie for her initial ministry in elementary education. For nearly three decades, Nickie taught children in parish schools in Philadelphia, Allentown, and Waldron Mercy Academy, and served as Principal at Annunciation School in Havertown. Her students carry happy and grateful memories of Nickie and her influence on their lives, recalling her end-of-the-day wish that they would have a “beautiful sunny day”.  Nickie also generously contributed her musical and liturgical expertise to the parishes where she served as organist and choir director.

From 1996 until the present, Nickie immersed herself in pastoral ministries, serving in roles of pastoral associate, catechist, musician, and liturgist in several parishes in the Philadelphia area. Her dedication to parish life and her service to the parishioners endeared her to all with whom and for whom she ministered.  Most recently, Nickie was a volunteer at Riddle Hospital, bringing comfort to those most in need.

Throughout her illness, Nickie’s deep faith and spiritual nature shone brightly, finding her peace in God’s will for her.  She “put on as God’s chosen one, holy and beloved, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”  Always thinking of others’ concerns, she did not want to be a burden, and despite her suffering, she whispered a sincere thank you to all who cared for her. Surely, on Sunday evening, Nickie heard the voice of God, “You are my beloved daughter in whom I am well pleased; welcome home”! Rest in peace, dear Sister Nicoletta!