Aston, PA—Sister Rita Mary Mich, OSF, 87, died in Jefferson Hospital on January 12. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 60 years. Sister Rita Mary (Rita Elia Mich) was born in Philadelphia where she was a member of All Saints Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1948, she graduated from Little Flower High School and worked at Aviation Supply Office. Her sister, Sister Theresa Mary Mich, is also a member of the congregation. Sister Rita professed her first vows in 1950 and later earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Elizabethtown College in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. Although she began her years of ministry as a teacher at Holy Angels School in Trenton, New Jersey (1950-1952), she served primarily in parish ministry and healthcare.

Sister Rita Mary ministered in the Diocese of Wilmington for 22 years. She served in parish ministry at Holy Family Parish in Newark (1974-1982) and Immaculate Conception Parish in Elkton (1989-1999). From 1985-1989 she was a chaplain at St. Francis Hospital.

Sister Rita Mary ministered for 19 years in the Diocese of Harrisburg. From 1952-1971 she worked in various capacities at St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster, serving as personnel director, bookkeeper, director of purchasing, and administrator.

Sister Rita Mary also served in parish ministry in Naples, Florida, where she worked in St. Ann Parish (1982-1985).

Sister Rita Mary’s 14 years of service in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia included ministering with the sisters at St. Mary Convent, the sisters’ former retirement residence in Bryn Mawr (1971-1974) and her volunteer service in various offices at Our Lady of Angels Convent, the congregation’s motherhouse in Aston (1999-2010). In November 2010 she moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Monday, January 17. 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 Rita Mary is survived by her sister, Sister Theresa Mary, 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.