Aston, PA—Sister Clare Naughton, OSF, 87, (formerly Sister Clarence) died in Assisi House on April 7. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 67 years. Sister Clare (Mary Rita Naughton) was born in Philadelphia where she was a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish and a graduate of Hallahan High School. She entered the congregation in 1943 and professed her first vows in 1946. She earned her RN from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1949; a BSN from Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1954; and an MHA in hospital administration from St. Louis University in Missouri in 1962. She ministered in healthcare as a nurse, supervisor, and administrator. As a former member of the Pennsylvania Conference of Catholic Hospitals, she served as member of the board of directors and as past president. In 1986 she received the Villanova University Alumni Award and, at one point, received the American Red Cross Citizen of the Year Award for the Philadelphia Chapter.

Sister Clare began her years in healthcare in the Diocese of Trenton in 1946 where she did her initial training at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing. She continued ministering at the medical center until 1956.

Sister Clare ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 49 years. She was administrator of the former St. Mary Hospital from 1964-1971. From 1971-1976 she worked at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne where she served as building coordinator and administrator. During her years at St. Agnes Medical Center (1976-2004), she served in various capacities: administrator, director of volunteers, and volunteer in the medical library. From 2004-2009, she volunteered at St. Maria Goretti High School. In 2009 she moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

During her six years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Sister Clare ministered at St. Joseph Hospital (1956-1960, 1962-1964).

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, Aston, on Friday, April 12. 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 is survived by her sister, Dorothy Naughton, 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.