Aston, PA—Sister Donald Ignatius Schisler, OSF, 94, died in Assisi House on June 1. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 73 years. Sister Donald Ignatius was born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, but later moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she graduated from Seton High School and was a member of St. John the Evangelist Parish. She entered the congregation in 1933 and professed her first vows in 1936. Her sister, Sister Regis Mary Schisler (deceased), also entered the congregation. Sister Donald Ignatius earned a B.A. in English from Mount St. Mary University, Emmitsburg, and an M.S. in Education from St. Mary College in Xavier, Kansas. She taught on both elementary and secondary levels and, at various times, received four National Science Foundation grants in physics and one in chemistry. In her leisure time, Sister Donald enjoyed reading, making crafts, listening to music, and doing puzzles.
Sister Donald Ignatius began teaching at Nativity School in Washington, DC (1935-1940). In 1949 she moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma, where she taught at St. Joseph Academy (1949-1954).
Sister Donald Ignatius ministered for 28 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, teaching at Lansdale Catholic High School from 1956-1969 and again from 1970-1973. In 1997 she moved to the congregation’s independent living unit in Aston. In 1999 she moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Donald Ignatius’ 27 years of ministry in the Archdiocese of Baltimore included teaching at the Catholic High School of Baltimore (1941-1949, 1973-1984) and at Immaculate Conception School in Towson (1984-1987). From 1954-1956, she both taught and served as principal of Towson Catholic High School.
Sister Donald’s 10 years of service in the Diocese of Wilmington included teaching at St. Anthony School (1990-1995) and ministering at Our Lady of Fatima Convent/Parish (1987-1990, 1995-1997). Additional ministry experience included teaching at Allentown Central Catholic High School (1969-1970).
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Friday, June 5. 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 Donald Ignatius is survived by her brother, Louis Schisler; her nieces and nephews; 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.
