Aston, PA-Sister Mary Agnes Brennan, OSF, (formerly Sister Mary Serena), died in St. Ann Convent in Tacoma, Washington, on January 1. She was 90 years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 67 years. Sister Mary Agnes was born in Eaton, Idaho, but later moved to Ontario, Oregon, where she was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1939, she graduated from Ontario High School. Sister Mary Agnes earned a B.S. in Education from Marylhurst College and an M.A. in Education from Seattle University. She ministered in elementary education both as a teacher and principal, in congregational ministry, in social services, and in healthcare. In her leisure time, Sister Mary Agnes enjoyed reading, walking, doing puzzles, and watching sports.

Sister Mary Agnes began her years in education in the Diocese of Baker, teaching at St. Joseph Academy in Pendleton. She ministered for 32 years in the Archdiocese of Portland. She taught at St. Patrick School School, Portland; St. James School, McMinnville; St. John Fisher School, Portland; and Pope John XXIII School, Portland. She served as principal of Blessed Sacrament School, Portland, and St. James School School McMinnville. During her years in the Portland archdiocese, Sister Mary Agnes also served as treasurer for the Sisters of St. Francis in the former Sacred Heart Province.

Sister Mary Agnes ministered for nineteen years in the Archdiocese of Seattle. She taught at St. Charles School in Tacoma. From 1993-2005 she served as a receptionist at the FHS Care Center, also in Tacoma. In 2005 she moved to St. Ann Convent where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

Sister Mary Agnes’ eight years of ministry in the Diocese of Spokane included working as a secretary and business manager at St. Joseph Family Center. Additional ministry experience included teaching at St. Isidore School in Danville, California.

All services will be held in St. Ann Convent, 6602 S. Alaska Street, Tacoma, Washington. The vigil will be on Wednesday, January 7 at 6 P.M. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, January 8 at 11 A.M. Sister Mary Agnes is survived by her sister, Helen Grimberg of Hillsboro, Oregon; 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.