Sister Claudette Schiratti was accomplished musician, Omaha native

Sister of Mercy Claudette Schiratti, who spent most of her 62 years of religious life involved in music, died Aug. 21. She was 81.

A funeral Mass will be held Aug. 26 at 11:15 a.m. at St. Cecilia Cathedral, with burial at Calvary Cemetery, both in Omaha.

An Omaha native, Sister Claudette entered religious life in 1958. She professed temporary vows in 1961 and perpetual vows in 1966.

In Omaha, she taught at Mercy High School from 1962 to 1963, and served as associate professor of music at College of Saint Mary from 1969 to 1971, liturgist at St. Cecilia Cathedral from 1971 to 1974, and parish minister and liturgist at St. Bernard Parish from 1974 to 1980.

Sister Claudette also served as a high school teacher in Denver and pastoral associate in Kansas City, Missouri. 

From 1990 to 1994, she was director of music, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and Outreach at Good Shepherd Parish in Shawnee, Kansas, and was director of music and associate director of the Worship Office for the Diocese of Kansas City/St. Joseph, Missouri, from 2002 to 2010.

During her time in the Kansas City area, Sister Claudette also was a freelance musician playing piano and organ, both professionally and in parishes.

During retirement she continued to substitute in Catholic and Protestant churches and played services at a Kansas City synagogue. She also taught organ students, was active in the local Chapter of the American Guild of Organists and volunteered at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. She returned to her hometown in 2019 after 38 years in the Kansas City area.

“She loved the outdoors, especially the mountains in both summer and winter sports. She delighted in the development of musical talent both for the Church and professionally,” according to a written tribute by her religious community. 

Sister Claudette was preceded in death by parents, Albert and Evelyn Schiratti; and sister, Betty Schiratti. She is survived by her Sisters of Mercy community; cousins in Italy; and cousin, Mary Muff and her children, Denise and Mike, all of Omaha.

Memorials may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy Ministry Fund.