Aston, PA—Sister Antoinette Marie Fermo, OSF, 82, died in St. Ann Convent, Tacoma, on August 5. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 61 years. Sister Antoinette (Mary Jane Fermo) was born in Tacoma where she was a member of St. Rita Parish and graduated from St. Leo High School. She entered the congregation in 1945 and professed her first vows in 1948. Sister Antoinette ministered primarily in childcare and in domestic work. At the time of her death she ministered as a volunteer and in prayer ministry at St. Ann Convent in Tacoma.
Sister Antoinette ministered in the Diocese of Spokane for 34 years. She worked at both St. Joseph Home and St. Anne Home as well as at the YWCA Daycare. From 1994-2001 she volunteered at St. Joseph Family Center.
Sister Antoinette ministered for 18 years in the Archdiocese of Portland, working at Blessed Sacrament Convent, St. Patrick Convent, and Our Lady of Angels Convent.
Sister Antoinette also ministered for one year in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She served in AIDS Ministry with Episcopal Community Services.
All services will be held in St. Ann Convent Chapel, 6602 S. Alaska Street, Tacoma. The vigil will be held at 6 P.M. on Tuesday, August 11. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 12, at 11 A.M. A Memorial Mass will also be celebrated in Spokane at St. Joseph Family Center, 1016 N. Superior Street, on Friday, August 21, at 10 A.M. Sister Antoinette is survived by her sister Rose Baker, nieces and nephews, and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name designated for St. Ann Convent can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
