Aston, PA-Sister Alice Ignatia Ackerman, OSF, died in Assisi House on December 4. She was 88 years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 65 years. Sister Alice Ignatia (Alice Catherine Ackerman) was born in Wilmington, Delaware, where she was a member of St. Ann Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1940, she graduated from P.S. DuPont High School. Sister Alice Ignatia earned a B.S. in Biology from the Catholic University of America and an M.S. in Biology from Villanova University. She ministered in education on elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels and was at one point listed in Who’s Who Among College Teachers. She also served in congregational ministry. In her leisure time, Sister Alice Ignatia enjoyed reading books on Franciscan spirituality as well as historical novels and various periodicals.

Sister Alice Ignatia ministered for 59 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at Hallahan High School, West Catholic High School, Little Flower High School, and Neumann College. From 1973-1981 she served as provincial of the former Immaculate Conception Province for the Sisters of St. Francis. From 1982-2004 she volunteered in various congregational offices. In 2004 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

Sister Alice Ignatia also taught at Nativity School and Washington, DC, and at SS. Philip and James School in Baltimore, Maryland.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Thursday, December 11. 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 Alice Ignatia is survived by many 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.