BELMONT — Sister Mary Alma Pangelinan, 89, a Sister of Mercy for 71 years, died Sunday, May 24, 2020, at Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont.
Interment will be at Belmont Abbey Cemetery. All services are private because of COVID-19 restrictions.
She was born and educated in Agana, Guam, the youngest of eight children of Francisco and Natividad Borja. Her parents and six siblings are deceased.
During World War II and the occupation of Guam by the Japanese, Sister Alma’s early years were a struggle with her family for survival in caves and the mountains on Guam to avoid capture and forced labor by the Japanese. At the time she professed her vows as a Sister of Mercy, she chose the motto “To Jesus through Mary” in thanksgiving for God saving her and her family during the war.
Sister Alma came to Belmont in 1963 and served her community in many ways. She was in charge of Food Service and cared for the chapel with love and devotion. She loved gardening, sewing and cooking, and everyone benefited from her favorite activities. A well-known driver for the community, she took the sisters to doctors’ appointments and was known as the one person who knew every street in Charlotte.
Sister Alma’s commitment to her family, her community, her Church and to God’s people was profound throughout her life.
She is survived by the Sisters of Mercy, nieces and nephews, and relatives on Guam.
Memorials may be sent to Sacred Heart Convent in Belmont, NC 28012.
McLean Funeral Home in Belmont was in charge of the arrangements.
— Catholic News Herald