Aston, PA—Sister Bernice Pelczar, 72, died in Assisi House on December 3, 2021. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 51 years. Sister Bernice Elizabeth was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of St. John Cantius Parish and a graduate of St. Hubert High School. She entered the congregation in 1968 and professed her first vows in 1971.  She earned a BS in biology from Neumann University as well as a certificate in pastoral counseling.  She ministered primarily in education and social service.

Sister Bernice ministered for 29 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at Resurrection of Our Lord School, Chester; St. Benedict School, Little Flower School, and St. Bonaventure School in Philadelphia; and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Doylestown. In later years she served in social service work at St. Francis Inn and the Rainbow Project, both in Philadelphia.  She also served as a caseworker for the Department of Human Services in Media and as a tutor for the Delaware County Literacy Council in Chester.  In 2020, she moved to Assisi House in Aston, Pennsylvania, where she served in prayer and hospitality until her death.

Sister Bernice also ministered in the Diocese of Wilmington for 16 years working as a caseworker and volunteer.  She served at the Ministry of Caring, St. Francis Hospital, Sojourner’s Place, Bayard House, Literacy Volunteers Serving Adults, and the Delaware Humane Society.

Additional ministry work included four years in the Allentown diocese at Allentown Catholic High School, one year in the Diocese of Gallup in New Mexico at St. Francis of Assisi School, and one year in Puerto Rico at Casa del Carmen.

All services will be held in Assisi House on Thursday, December 9. 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 Bernice is survived by her brother-in-law, Dale Schweitzer; 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.

Click here to read a more personal memorial write-up on Sister Bernice.

Family members and friends are welcome to join the funeral Mass for Sr. Bernice Pelczar via live-stream.  See the information below.
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Time: 10:45 A.M. and the service begins at 11 A.M.  Click here