Aston, PA—Sister Francine McDermott, OSF, 76, died in Assisi House on October 31. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 54 years. Sister Francine was born Joan Ruth McDermott in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of St. Benedict Parish. She entered the congregation in 1955 and professed her first vows in 1957. Sister Francine earned a B.S. in Secondary Education from Mt. St. Mary’s College. She ministered primarily in education on both elementary and secondary levels. In later years she worked in pastoral ministry and prayer ministry. In her leisure time she enjoyed reading, fishing, crafts, and listening to good music.

Sister Francine ministered for 24 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore where she taught at St. Anthony School, Baltimore (1960-1970) and The Shrine of the Little Flower School, Baltimore (1978-1992).

Sister Francine also ministered in the Diocese of Wilmington for ten years. She served at Corpus Christi School, Elsmere (1957-1960) and Holy Angels School, Newark (1971-1978).

Continuing her ministry in education, Sister Francine spent one year in the Diocese of Raleigh at Holy Spirit School, Jacksonville (1970-1971); one year in the Diocese of Charleston at St. Paul School, Spartanburg (1992-1993); and two years in the Diocese of Mobile at Most Pure of Heart Mary School (2002-2004).

Sister Francine ministered in the Diocese of New Orleans in pastoral ministry for nine years where she served at The Blessing Place, Lacombe (1993-1995, 1995-2002). She continued her ministry in pastoral care in the Diocese of Naples as a caregiver from 2004-2005 and served at St. Peter the Apostle Church from 2005-2009.

Sister Francine McDermott moved to Assisi House in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 2009 and served in prayer ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Friday, November 4, 2011. 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 Francine is survived by a brother, William McDermott, nieces, 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.