Aston, PA—Sister Columba Moynihan, OSF, 97, died in St. Ann Convent, Tacoma, Washington, on May 25. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 75 years. Sister (Nora Teresa Moynihan) was born in Ballyroe, County Kerry, Ireland. She entered the congregation in 1934 and professed her first vows in 1936. A registered nurse and nurse anesthetist, Sister Columbia ministered primarily in healthcare.
Sister Columba ministered in the Diocese of Baker for 41 years. She served at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton (1946-1950, 1973-2006); St. Joseph Hospital in LaGrande (1943-1944, 1956-1957), and St. Elizabeth Hospital in Baker (1944-1946).
Sister Columba’s 15 years of ministry in the Archdiocese of Seattle included serving at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma (1950-1956, 1957-1961). In 2006 she moved to St. Ann Convent in Tacoma where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Columba also served for 12 years in her native Ireland, ministering at St. Patrick Hospital in Mallow from 1961-1973. Additional ministry experience included St. Joseph Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland (1937-1943) and St. Joseph Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island (1936-1937).
All services will be held in St. Ann Convent, 6602 S. Alaska Street, Tacoma, Washington. The vigil will be on Thursday, May 26, at 6 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be at on Friday, May 27, at 11 A.M. Sister Columba is survived by her nieces and 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.
