Aston, PA—Sister Leslie Birks, OSF, (formerly Sister Mildred Mary), 83, died in Assisi House on September 10, 2024. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 62 years. Sister Leslie was born in Trenton, New Jersey, and graduated from Cathedral High School. She was a member of St. Ignatius Parish in Yardley, Pennsylvania, when she entered the congregation in 1959 and professed her first vows in 1962.  She earned a BA in English from Neumann University (then Our Lady of Angels College) and a MA in Science Education from West Chester University. She ministered primarily in elementary education and social services.

Sister Leslie ministered for 21 years in education in the Diocese of Trenton where she taught at St. Leo the Great School in Lincroft and Holy Angels School, St. Anthony Grade School, and McCorristin High School, all in Trenton. Additionally, she taught for five years at Lancaster Catholic High School in the Harrisburg diocese.

In the mid-1980s she switched focus to social work and served for five years at St. Francis House in the Archdiocese of Boston.  For the past 34 years, Sister Leslie has served those who are poor and homeless at St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia. She moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement community, in 2024 where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House on Monday, September 16, and will be livestreamed. 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. Internment of Ashes will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Leslie is survived by her brother Reg Birks of Sarasota Florida, her cousins, and her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.

Read a more personal write-up on Sister Leslie, click here.

The livestream will begin at 10 A.M. To access the livestream click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/OmSVEkjcrf0.