Aston, PA—Sister Clare Immaculate McDonnell, OSF, 91, died in Assisi House on December 15. She was a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 68 years. Sister Clare Immaculate (Genevieve Clare Theresa McDonnell) was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish and a graduate of J.W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School. She entered the congregation in 1940 and professed her first vows in 1943. Sister Clare Immaculate had a bachelors degree in English from Villanova, a master’s in English from Catholic University of America, and a master’s in Humanities from Penn State University. She ministered primarily in secondary education, had several published articles, was the recipient of several National Endowments for Humanities, and received grants for study in England and Wales.

Sister Clare Immaculate McDonnell ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 58 years where she taught at West Catholic High School (1944-1946); J.W. Hallahan High School (1948-1953); and St. Hubert’s High School in Philadelphia where she ministered for 24 years (1946-1948, 1953-1975). She also taught at Neumann University, Aston (1984-2005) where she was the first Franciscan Scholar in Residence. Sister Clare Immaculate moved to Assisi House in Aston in 2007 and served in prayer ministry until her death.

Sister Clare Immaculate also ministered in education in the Diocese of Wilmington for eight years. She served at Padua Academy in Wilmington (1976-1984). In addition, she spent two years in the Diocese of Allentown teaching at Sacred Heart School (1942-1944) and one year in the Diocese of Harrisburg as a student at Penn State University in Middletown (1975-1976).

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, December 21. 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 Clare Immaculate is survived by her sister-in-law, Elizabeth; nieces; nephews, and her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.