Aston, PA-Sister Marie Kramer, OSF (formerly Sister Clare Albertine), 98, died in Assisi House on May 11. She was a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 79 years. Sister Marie was born in Easton, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of St. Joseph Parish and a graduate of St. Joseph’s Commercial. She entered the congregation in 1931, completed her high school studies, and professed her first vows in 1934. She earned a B.S. in Education from Villanova University and ministered in both elementary and secondary education.
Sister Marie ministered for 71 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, 54 of those years in education. She taught at St. Francis DeSales School, Lenni (1931-1932); St. Ludwig School (1933-1944); St. Stanislaus School, Lansdale (1944-1945); St. Bonaventure School (1948-1955); and Nativity School, Media (1960-1963). From 1965-1969 she was principal of St. Mary School in Schwenksville. She taught religion at St. Maria Goretti High School (1969-1978) and was moderator of the Science Resource Center at Hallahan High School from 1978-1996. When she retired in 1996, she lived at St. Francis Convent in Philadelphia until she moved to Assisi House in 2000. There she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Marie also ministered in the Diocese of Allentown for 10 years. She taught at St. Francis School in Allentown (1945-1948) and St. Bartholomew School in Brockton (1955-1960). From 1963-1965, she taught religion at Allentown Central Catholic High School.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, Aston, on Thursday, May 16. 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 Marie is survived by nieces, 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.
