Sister Mary Rita Piseno OSF

Sister Mary Rita (Damiana) Piseno of the Blessed Trinity, a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Light (School Sisters of St. Francis, died Monday, June 29, 2026 at the age of 80.

The Rosary will be prayed for Sister Mary Rita on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at Sancta Maria Convent in Panhandle. Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Our Lady of the Angels Chapel in Panhandle with Father Ryan Winger celebrating.  Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia, in Amarillo, and burial will be in the Panhandle Cemetery.

Sister Mary Rita was born Damiana Savina Piseno on October 27, 1945, in Idalou, Texas. She was born to Trinidad and Melecia Piseno and preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bonifacio.

Sister entered the Congregation of the School Sisters of St. Francis in Panhandle, TX, on June 3, 1967. She took the name of Sister Mary Rita, after St. Rita of Cascia, when she became a novice. Sister made her first vows in 1970, final vows in 1976, and celebrated her 50th Jubilee in 2021.

Sister Mary Rita was a very important part of the Community apostolate at St. Ann's Nursing Home, the Catholic Children's Home in Panhandle and at St. Anthony's School in Dalhart. Not only was she a part of the kitchen, laundry and janitorial team at the nursing home, Sister was a bubbly and happy presence to all the residents. After training, Sister Mary Rita became the Kitchen Supervisor at St. Ann's. Her own mother was a resident at the home for some years, and they had many adventures together.

Sister made beautiful rosaries, was an accomplished free hand artist, and excelled in puzzles and card games. She truly loved life and was a vibrant member of the Panhandle community.