Aston, PA — Sister Frances Romana Corcoran, OSF, died in Assisi House on February 9. She was 97 years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 77 years. Sister Frances Romana was born in Philadelphia where she was a member of St. Joseph Parish. She graduated from Hallahan High School and entered the congregation in 1926. Following her entrance into the congregation, she attended and graduated from Glen Riddle Normal School. She later earned a B.S. in English from Villanova University.
Sister Frances Romana’s many years in ministry were spent primarily in the field of elementary education where she served as principal and taught grades three to six. She also taught business subjects on the secondary school level. Her work in education continued in her retirement; she served as a substitute teacher and helped in the school office. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading biographies.
Sister Frances Romana ministered for thirty-six years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at St. Benedict School (1928-1930); Resurrection School, Chester (1932-1934); West Catholic High School (1930); and Hallahan High School (1954-1956). She both taught and served as principal at Our Lady of Consolation School (1936-1938, 1948-1954); St. Stanislaus School, Lansdale (1938-1944, 1956-1962); and Nativity School, Media (1962-1964). In 1944-45 she also worked in the office at St. Mary Hospital. In 1999 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Frances Romana’s twenty-five years of service in the Diocese of Wilmington included ministering at St. Joseph-on-the-Brandywine School (1964-1970); Padua Academy (1980-1986); St. Ann School (1986-1995); St. Peter Convent, New Castle (1995-1998); and Our Lady of Fatima Convent, New Castle (1998-1999).
Sister Frances Romana ministered for ten years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, serving as principal at St. Elizabeth School (1970-1980).
Sister Frances Romana taught for four years in the Diocese of Allentown: Sacred Heart School, Allentown (1934-1936); St. Joseph School, Easton (1930-1931); and St. Lawrence School, Catasauqua (1931-1932).
Sister Francis Romana also ministered for three years in the Diocese of Harrisburg where she taught at St. Joseph School in York (1945-1948).
All services were held in Assisi House on February 14, followed by burial in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Francis Romana is predeceased by her parents, Katharine and Michael Corcoran, and her sister, Sister Joseph Marie Corcoran. She is survived by several cousins and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
