Aston, PA — Sister Cecilia Agnes Schanta, OSF, died in Assisi House on December 7, 2007. She was ninety-eight years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for seventy-five years. Sister Cecilia Agnes (Juliana Cecilia Schanta) was born in Coplay, Pennsylvania. Her family later moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of Holy Ghost Parish. Prior to joining the Sisters of St. Francis, she worked as a waitress. She completed her high school studies after her entrance in 1929. Sister Cecilia Agnes later earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Villanova University and was awarded several grants from the National Science Foundation. She ministered primarily in education on both elementary (grades 3-6) and secondary levels (science and German). Her leisure activities included reading and doing crossword puzzles.
Sister Cecilia Agnes ministered for thirty-nine years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at St. Bonaventure School (1929-1930, 1932-1942), St. Elizabeth School (1946-1948), St. Ludwig School (1948-1952), and Little Flower High School (1952-1964). In 1997 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Cecilia Agnes ministered for nineteen years in the Diocese of Allentown. She taught at St. John School in Stiles (1942-1944), St. Bartholomew School in Brockton (1944-1946), and Allentown Central Catholic High School (1982-1991). After her retirement she served in local house ministry at St. Andrew Convent in Catasauqua (1991-1997).
Sister Cecilia Agnes ministered for eighteen years in the Diocese of Trenton. She taught at McCorristan High School from 1964-1982.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, December 12. 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 Cecilia Agnes is survived by her 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.
