Aston, PA—Sister Elizabeth Therese Lutter, OSF, (87), died in Assisi House on November 29.  She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 66 years. Sister Elizabeth Therese (Theresa Sophia Lutter) was born in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of St. John the Baptist Parish and a graduate of York Catholic High School. She entered the congregation in 1947 and professed her first vows in 1950. Sister Elizabeth studied nursing at St. Joseph Hospital in Philadelphia and later earned a B.S. in Nursing from the Catholic University of America and an M.S.N. in Pediatrics from Indiana University. She ministered primarily in healthcare.

During her 29 years in the Diocese of Harrisburg, Sister Elizabeth ministered in various capacities at St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster: pediatric supervisor, pediatric instructor, director of pastoral care, and volunteer. Her service there continued after St. Joseph’s evolved into Lancaster Regional Medical Center.

Sister Elizabeth’s 10 years in the Diocese of Allentown included her work as pediatric instructor at St. Joseph Hospital in Reading. She also ministered in the Diocese of Trenton, serving as pediatric instructor and pediatric supervisor at St. Francis Hospital. In the Diocese of Wilmington, Sister Elizabeth worked as medical/surgical supervisor at St. Francis Hospital.

Sister Elizabeth spent 11 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She began her years in ministry as a teacher at St. Bonaventure School. After completing her studies at St. Joseph Hospital to become an RN, she worked as a medical/surgical supervisor at St. Mary Hospital in Philadelphia. In 2011 Sister Elizabeth retired and moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, Aston, Pennsylvania, 19014 on Friday, December 2.  A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M. followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial at will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Elizabeth 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.