Aston, PA—Sister Helen Young, OSF (formerly Sister Helen Marynia) 90, died in Assisi House on June 2. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 72 years. Sister Helen (Bridget Helen Young) was born in Philadelphia where she was a member of St. Benedict Parish. She entered the congregation in 1936 and professed her first vows in 1939. Her sister, Sister Theresa Emmanuel (now deceased) also was a member of the congregation. Sister Helen earned a B.A. in Music from Catholic University of America and an M.A. in Theology from St. Bonaventure University. She ministered primarily in education on both elementary and secondary levels and also served for a time in parish ministry. A gifted musician, she also taught music in many of the schools where she taught.
Sister Helen ministered for 44 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at Our Lady of Consolation School (1939-1942); Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Morton (1942-1946); Resurrection School, Chester (1946-1948); St. Ignatius School, Yardley (1958-1966); Hallahan High School (1966-1968); and St. Maria Goretti High School (1968-1975). She lived at Our Lady of Angels Convent in Aston where she assisted with liturgy from 1956-1958. From 1995-2002 she served as liturgist at Assisi House in Aston and continued to volunteer there from 2002-2006. In 2006 she moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Helen also ministered in the Diocese of Trenton for 17 years. She taught at McCorristin High School from 1975-1985 and at St. Mary of the Lakes School in Medford from 1988-1995. Additional ministry experience included teaching at St. Joseph Academy in Chickasha, Oklahoma, from 1953-1956 and serving in parish ministry at St. Gertrude Parish in Lebanon, Pennsylvania from 1985-1988.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Tuesday, June 7. 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 Helen is survived by her cousin, Tom Haney, 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.
