Aston, PA—Sister Dorothy Epple, 86, (formerly Sister Anne Jerome) died in Assisi House on Tuesday, June 24, 2014. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 66 years. Sister Dorothy was born in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was a member of St. Elizabeth Parish and a graduate of Mt. deSales Academy. She entered the congregation in 1945 and professed her first vows in 1948. Sister Dorothy earned a B.S. in Secondary Education and an M.S. in Biology, both from Villanova University. She ministered primarily in education on both elementary and secondary levels, in congregational ministry, and in parish ministry.
Sister Dorothy had ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 10 years. From 1970-1971 she was formation director for the Sisters of St. Francis and as such resided and worked at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Aston. She taught at Lansdale Catholic High School from 1971-1972. From 2005-2010 she lived in Queen of Peace Convent, the congregation’s independent living residence, and volunteered in the congregational offices. In 2010 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Dorothy ministered for 30 years in the Diocese of Harrisburg—all of those years in York. She taught at St. Mary’s School in York (1947-1949) and at York Catholic High School (1956-1970, 1985-1987). She returned to the high school in 1992 where she worked in the office until 2000. From 2000-2005 she was a receptionist at St. Joseph Parish in York.
Sister Dorothy’s 17 years in the Diocese of Trenton included teaching at Holy Angels School (1949-1953), St. Anthony School, (1953-1955), and McCorristin High School (1972-1978). From 1987-1992 she worked at Corpus Christi Convent in Willingboro where she served as coordinator for a group of retired and active retired sisters.
Sister Dorothy also ministered in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for six years. From 1978-1983 she was director of student personnel at the Catholic High School of Baltimore. From 1981-1985 she was also a member of the provincial council for the former St. Joseph Province for the Sisters of St. Francis and as such worked with sisters in Delaware, Maryland, Washington, DC, and the deep South. She also ministered at St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson (2000-2001).
Sister Dorothy’s ministry in the Diocese of Wilmington included teaching at Padua Academy (1983-1985).
All services will be held in Assisi House, 610 Red Hill Road, Pennsylvania, 19014 on Monday, June 30, 2014. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M. followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial at will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Dorothy is survived by her sister-in-law, Agnes Epple, nieces, a nephew, 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.
