Aston, PA—Sister Catherine Hunt, OSF, (formerly Sister Mary Martha), 94, died in Assisi House on January 12. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 77 years. Sister Catherine was born in Somerville, Massachusetts where she was a member of St. Peter and Paul Parish and a graduate of St. Peter and Paul High School (now Cushing High School. She entered the congregation in 1930 and professed her first vows in 1933. Sister Catherine earned a B.S. in Education from Villanova University, an M.A. in Theology from St. Bonaventure University, and an M.A. in Teaching Theology from St. Michael College in Vermont. She ministered in education on both elementary and secondary levels and in parish ministry.
Sister Catherine ministered for 27 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at West Catholic High School (1946-1956), Hallahan High School (1956-1958), and St. Maria Goretti High School (1958-1962). When she retired, she moved to Aston, Pennsylvania, where she lived and did volunteer work at Queen of Peace Convent, one of the congregation’s independent living units (1999-2002). In 2002 she moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sisters Catherine’s 17 years in the Diocese of Charleston included ministry at several different parishes. From 1978-1990 she worked at St. Joseph Parish, Anderson; St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Spartanburg; and Sacred Heart Parish, Gaffney. She returned to St. Paul Parish again from 1994-1995. From 1990-1994 she ministered at St. Louis Parish in Dillon.
Sister Catherine ministered for 10 years in the Diocese of Trenton. She taught at Holy Angels School (1932-1934), Blessed Sacrament School (1945-1946), and McCorristin High School (1962-1969).
Sister Catherine’s nine years of service in the Diocese of Wilmington included parish ministry at St. John the Beloved Parish (1969-1972), St. Joseph-on-the-Brandywine Parish (1972-1973), and St. Catherine of Sienna Parish ((1973-1978).
Additional ministry experience included teaching at St. Mary School in York, Pennsylvania (1934-1943); St. Mary Home, New Bedford, Massachusetts (1943-1945); and Holy Spirit Parish in Jacksonville, North Carolina (1995-1999).
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, January 20. 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 Catherine is survived by a niece, grandniece and grandnephews; 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.
