Aston, PA—Sister Ann Michele Zwosta, OSF, 68, died on November 1, 2012. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 46 years. Sister Ann Michele was born Marian Eileen Zwosta in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of St. Boniface Parish. She entered the congregation in 1963 and professed her first vows in 1966. Sister Ann Michele, a graduate of Hallahan High School, earned a B.A. in English from Neumann University (formerly Our Lady of Angels College), and a master’s degree (1979) and doctorate (1994) from the University of Delaware. She ministered primarily in education and participated in an Oxford Round Table Symposium on education policy reform in 2003. Her interests included quilting which led to her making quilts for the families of firefighters who lost their lives on September 11.

Sister Ann Michele ministered for 34 years in the Diocese of Wilmington at Padua Academy. She began her ministry at Padua in 1975 as an economics teacher. She became studies director in 1985 and vice principal in 1988. In 1990 she became principal and remained as the head of the school for 19 years ending in 2009. During her tenure Padua was designated as a Blue Ribbon School of excellence by the U.S. Department of Education.

Sister Ann Michele also ministered for 4 years in the Diocese of Trenton where she taught at St. Anthony High School (1968-1972). Her education ministry continued at Lancaster Catholic High School in the Diocese of Harrisburg (1972-1975).

Sister Ann Michele has been the hospitality coordinator for the Franciscan Spiritual Center in Aston for the past two years and until her death (2010-2012). Sister Ann was also an instrumental part of the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), a joint effort of four U.S. religious congregations and universities to assist African sisters in gaining educational levels needed to assume administrative roles in institutions that serve their people. In 2010, Sister Ann Michele visited Africa and shared her wealth of knowledge and expertise as a mentor—mentoring which continued through online media. Sister Ann was also active on many congregational boards.

There will be no viewing. All services will be held St. Anthony of Padua Church, 9th and DuPont Streets, Wilmington, Delaware, on Wednesday, November 7, 2012. Friends and family may begin to gather at 9 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Ann Michele is survived by her niece and cousin, 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.