Aston, PA—Sister Francis Paula Bader, OSF, 94, died in Assisi House on January 2, 2012. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 76 years. Sister Francis Paula was born Helen Margaret Bader in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. She entered the congregation in 1931 and professed her first vows in 1935. Sister Francis Paula earned a B.S. in Education from Mt. St. Mary’s College and an M.A. in Elementary Education from The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She ministered primarily in education. In later years she also worked in pastoral ministry and prayer ministry. In her leisure time she enjoyed reading and doing puzzles.

Sister Francis Paula ministered for 30 years in the Diocese of Wilmington where she taught at St. Ann School, Wilmington (1934-1952); was the principal at St. Joseph-on-the-Brandywine School (1955-1958); taught at Corpus Christi High School, Elsmere (1964-1967); and was principal at St. Peter School, New Castle (1979-1985).

Sister Francis Paula Bader also ministered for 20 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She served as a school visitor for the Province (1967-1970) and taught at St. Philip & James School, Baltimore (1970-1972). Sister Francis served for 15 years at St. Anthony Convent in Baltimore both in local house ministry and in volunteer ministry (1985-1993, 1995-2001, 2002-2003).

Sister Francis Paula ministered for ten years in the Archdiocese of Washington, DC, where she taught at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Bethesda (1952-1955) and later returned as principal (1972-1979).

Continuing her ministry in education, Sister Francis Paula spent three years in the Diocese of Raleigh as principal at Immaculate Conception School, Clinton (1958-1961); three years in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee as principal at St. Thomas More School, Warrington (1961-1964); two years in the Diocese of Mobile at Most Pure of Heart Mary Parish (1993-1995); and one year in the Diocese of Spokane as a volunteer at St. Joseph Family Center (2001-2002).

Sister Francis Paula moved to Queen of Peace Convent in Aston in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where she served as a volunteer at Assisi House (2003-2008). She moved to Assisi House in 2008 where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Thursday, January 5, 2012. 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 Francis Paula is survived by her nieces, 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.