Aston, PA — Sister Rose Elizabeth Pfadenhauer, OSF, died in Assisi House on May 1. She was ninety-four years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for seventy-five years. She would have celebrated her Diamond Jubilee on May 5. Sister Rose Elizabeth (Christina Johanna Pfadenhauer) was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of Holy Ghost Parish. Sister Rose Elizabeth began her years in ministry as an elementary school teacher in grades 3 and 4 before moving into healthcare. She earned her R.N. from St. Agnes School of Nursing in Philadelphia and ministered both as a nurse and as a pastoral associate. For many years she also served as a director of the Legion of Mary. During her leisure time, Sister Rose enjoyed making rosaries.
Sister Rose Elizabeth began her ministry as a teacher at Holy Trinity School in Columbia, Pennsylvania (1931-1937). She also ministered for thirteen years in the Diocese of Trenton. She taught at St. Nicholas School in Egg Harbor (1937-1938). From 1938-1939 she served at Morris Hall in Lawrenceville. After training as a nurse, she ministered at St. Francis Hospital in Trenton (1946-1957).
Sister Rose Elizabeth ministered for thirty-six years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, serving at both St. Agnes Hospital (1939-1946, 1957-1969) and St. Mary Convent in Bryn Mawr (1969-1972). In 1993 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Rose Elizabeth ministered for twenty-one years at St. Joseph Hospital in Reading (1972-1993).
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on May 7. 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 Rose Elizabeth is survived by 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.
