Aston, PA—Sister Patricia Mary Bianco, OSF, 79, died in Assisi House on November 23. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 57 years. Sister Patricia (Doris Marie Bianco) was born in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was a member of St. Paul Parish and a graduate of the Catholic High School of Baltimore. She entered the congregation in 1952 and professed her first vows in 1955. Sister Patricia earned a B.A. in History from Neumann University. She ministered primarily in elementary education and social services.

Sister Patricia began her years in ministry in the Diocese of Camden where she taught at St. Nicholas School in Egg Harbor (1955-1961).

Sister Patricia ministered in her native Baltimore for 35 years. She taught at St. Elizabeth School (1969-1970, 1996-1998); St. Katharine School (1970-1976); St. Joseph School, Fullerton, (1976-1979) and St. Peter Claver School (1979-1981). She also served for a year in parish ministry at St. Peter Claver Church (1981-1982). She ministered at St. Francis Neighborhood Center (1982-1985); the Franciscan Center (1985-1990); the Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School [Maryland School for Boys] (1990-1995); Care Tender Health Corp, Abingdon (1995-1996); and the Ridge School, Towson (1999-2005).

Sister Patricia also ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 16 years. She taught at St. Ludwig School (1961-1967) and St. Elizabeth School (1967-1969). She also ministered at St. Mary Franciscan Shelter, Phoenixville (1998-1999), Assisi House, Aston (2005-2006); and volunteered with the Bachmann Project in Chester (2006-2007). From 2007-2012 Sister Patricia volunteered with Mid County Senior Services/Choice Connection. In 2009 the organization awarded her the “Above and Beyond” volunteer recognition award.

All services will be held in Assisi House on Wednesday, November 28. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M. followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Patricia is survived by her aunt, Lorraine Henkel, her cousins, Wayne and Leo, 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.