Aston, PA–Sister Gerald Marie Smith, OSF, died in Assisi House on August 17. She was ninety-six years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for seventy-seven years. Sister Gerald Marie (Marie Agnes Smith) was born in Philadelphia, where she was a member of Transfiguration Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1928, she attended West Catholic High School and completed her high school studies after her entrance. Sister Gerald Marie earned a B.S. in Education from Villanova University. She ministered primarily in elementary education, both as teacher and principal. Her leisure activities included reading and keeping up with the news.
Sister Gerald Marie ministered for seventy-two years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at St. Elizabeth School (1930-1938); Nativity School, Media (1938-1944); St. Ludwig School (1944-1952); St. Benedict School (1952-1953); and Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Morton (1959-1960). She served as principal of St. Francis DeSales School, Lenni (1960-1966); St. Bonaventure School (1966-1972); and All Saints School (1972-1978). Following her retirement from teaching she returned to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Morton where she served as secretary to the principal (1978-1997). In 1997 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Gerald Marie also ministered for six years in the Diocese of Allentown. She was principal of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Minersville from 1953-1959.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Thursday, August 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 Gerald Marie is survived by many nieces and nephews, and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
