Aston, PA—Sister Francis Carmel Gonzon, OSF, (71) died on October 14 in Assisi House where she spent 19 years serving in prayer ministry. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 49 years and would have celebrated her golden jubilee next June. Sister Francis Carmel (Mary Dominica Gonzon) was born in Wilmington, Delaware, where she was a member of St. Peter Parish in New Castle and a graduate of St. Peter High School. She entered the congregation in 1963 and professed her first vows in 1966. She earned a B. S. in Early Childhood Education from Towson University and ministered in elementary education—primarily as a first grade teacher.
Sister Francis Carmel began her years in ministry at St. Clement School in Rosedale, Maryland, and continued her years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore teaching at St. Elizabeth School, St. Joseph School in Fullerton, and St. Peter Claver School. In total she served in the archdiocese for 11 years.
Sister Francis Carmel also ministered for nine years in the Diocese of Wilmington where she taught at Immaculate Conception School in Elkton. She was later missioned at Our Lady of Fatima Convent in New Castle.
Additional ministry experience also included teaching four years at St. Paul School in Pensacola, Florida.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, Aston, Pennsylvania, 19014 on Tuesday, October 20. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M. followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Francis Carmel is survived by two brothers, 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.
