Mother Mary Joseph Triska, O.C.D. of La Plata died on August 25, 2008.

She was born in 1927 in Chicgao, IL where she attended Catholic elementary and high schools. She was a graduate of Clark College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Mother Mary Joseph had been a nun for fifty nine years. She joined the Order of Carmelites in Terre Haute, IN in 1949 and in 1982 at the invitation of Cardinal Hickey led a group of nuns to join the new re-foundation of the the monastery in Port Tobacco Valley. As Prioress of the Carmel of Port Tobacco, Mother was an outstanding leader. It is due in great part to Mother's keen vision and insight that the fledging monastery began to flourish again. She was also an accomplished artist. Her original Icons and sculputres are now in the possession of Bishops and friends but copies are still available in the monastery Gift Shop. She was the Orginial Coordinator of the Saint Teresa Association - a group of 12 Carmelite Monasteries in the United States. Under her able leadership, the directives of Vatican II were encouraged.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Ralph Triska as well as a brother and sister-in-law Ralph and Flo Triska.

She is survived by a brother Richard; sister-in-law Barbara; nephew Nicholas Triska; his wife Cheryl and son Ethan; nieces Barbara, Teresa, Siobhan, Debbie and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at the monastery Thursday, August 28 from 4PM -5:30PM and 7PM - 9PM with the wake service at 8PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at the monastery Friday, August 29 at 10AM. Archbishop Donald Wuerl will preside. Bishop William Curlin will be the main celebrant and homilist with Bishop David Foley and numerous priest friends concelebrating. Christian burial will take place in the monastery cloister grounds. The Mass and burial are open to all friends of the monastery.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.