Aston, PA— Sister Corda Marie Bergbauer, former Superior General of the Sisters of St. Francis, died in Riddle Hospital on September 5, 2024.  She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 75 years. Sister Corda was born Catherine Anne Bergbauer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of St. Laurence Parish in Highland Park and a graduate of Hallahan High School. She entered the congregation in 1947 and professed her first vows in 1949.  She earned a BS in Education and a MA in English, both from Villanova University. She ministered primarily in education and administration. She served in congregational ministry as superior general for the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for eight years between 1970-1978. Sister Corda led the congregation as it sought ways to implement the outcomes of Vatican II. During her tenure, she implemented significant changes within the congregation, including the construction of Assisi House, expanding our ministries to Africa, and helping to begin the Ministry of Caring in Delaware. In August 1976, Sister Corda was a member of the Board of Governors for the Eucharist Congress and had the privilege to have dinner with Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal from Pope John Paul II in recognition of the contributions she made to the Church.

Sister Corda began her life as a sister in education teaching for two years at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington, DC Archdiocese.  She then ministered for 18 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore teaching at St. Stephen School in Bradshaw for four years and then another 14 years at The Catholic High School of Baltimore. Her dedication led to the establishment of TCHS’ Sister Corda Marie Bergbauer Chapter of the National English Honor Society.

For 54 years, Sister Corda Marie ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  In addition to her eight years as congregational minister (superior general), she also served the congregation as administrator of Assisi House for two years. For 16 years she served in administration at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Home in Philadelphia. Sister Corda then spent 24 years in local house ministry where she served as the coordinator of Our Lady of Angels Convent and served on the Good News Editorial Board and various other boards and committees. In 2020, Sister Corda moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Our Lady of Angels Chapel in Aston on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, and will be livestreamed. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 10-11:45 A.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 P.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Corda Marie is survived by her many nieces and nephews 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 Corda, click here.

The livestream will begin at 10 A.M. To access the livestream click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/3rVPRViH_7E .