2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 266

Celebrating the life of Sister Andrea Verchuck.

Agreed to by the Senate, February 19, 2025

WHEREAS, Sister Andrea Verchuck, a faithful member of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia who dedicated her life to prayer and service, died on January 6, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Sister Andrea Verchuck was born in Crabtree, Pennsylvania, on May 26, 1929, as Josephine Veronica Verchuck and was the seventh child of Paul and Justyna Verchuck, who had immigrated to the United States from Poland; and

WHEREAS, at age 15, Sister Andrea Verchuck arrived at the Saint Benedict Monastery in Bristow and joined the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia, where she was well known for her compassion, leadership, and devotion to service; and

WHEREAS, Sister Andrea Verchuck was a wise teacher and a trusted counselor, who enjoyed contributing to the monastery's liturgies with her melodious voice; she led the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia as prioress from 1979 to 1987 and again from 1999 to 2003; and

WHEREAS, Sister Andrea Verchuck supported projects to enhance the quality of life for communities in the Commonwealth and abroad, and she was a prolific fundraiser who raised money to support the construction of a new monastery; and

WHEREAS, one of Sister Andrea Verchuck's final projects was the establishment of a prayer garden on the site of the former monastery, which she envisioned as a tranquil refuge of peace and prayer; and

WHEREAS, Sister Andrea Verchuck will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by numerous family members, friends, and fellow members of the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Sister Andrea Verchuck, who touched countless lives through her kindness and grace; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Benedictine Sisters of Virginia as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for Sister Andrea Verchuck's memory.