Aston, PA—Sister Anne Lawrence, OSF (formerly Sister Mary Elisea), 96, died in Assisi House on February 6, 2012. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 76 years. Sister Anne was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish. She entered the congregation in 1932 and professed her first vows in 1935. Sister Anne earned a B.S. in Pharmacy from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (1946-1949). She ministered primarily in elementary education and healthcare in pharmaceuticals. Sister Anne Lawrence was a member of Rho Chi, a national pharmaceutical honor society. In her leisure time, Sister Anne enjoyed arts and crafts, sewing, and watching sporting events.

Sister Anne ministered for 33 years in the Diocese of Trenton where she taught at St. Anthony School, Trenton (1935-1938) and Immaculate Conception School, Trenton (1938-1946). She also ministered in the diocese at Morris Hall in Lawrenceville from 1984-1996, Franciscan Residence in Hamilton Square as a volunteer (1996 – 2001), and a caregiver (2001–2006).

Sister Anne ministered for 18 years in the Diocese of Harrisburg as chief pharmacist at St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster from 1949-1967. Additionally, she ministered for 17 years in the Diocese of Wilmington where she served as a pharmacist at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington (1967-1983) and volunteered at Our Lady of Fatima School, New Castle (1983-1984).

In her early years, Sister Anne Lawrence also served one year in the Archdiocese of Baltimore at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School from 1932-1933. She moved to Assisi House in Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2006 where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Friday, February 10, 2012. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Anne is survived by her two sisters, Margaret Kammerer and Lucille Dredge; nieces; nephews; and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.