Aston, PA—Sister Jean Louise Wickenheiser, OSF, (formerly Sister James Marita), 81, died in Assisi House on Thursday, February 12, 2026. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 61 years. Sister Jean was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of Holy Trinity Parish and a graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. She entered the congregation in 1962 and professed her first vows in 1965. She earned a B.A. in history from Our Lady of Angels College, now Neumann University. She ministered primarily in elementary education and parish ministry.

Sister Jean ministered for 48 years in the Diocese of Allentown. She taught elementary grades at Holy Ghost School in Bethlehem, Easton Catholic Elementary, and St. Mary School in Catasauqua. She served for nine years as principal of Sacred Heart School in Allentown. She returned to the classroom, teaching at Our Lady of Hungary School in Northampton, St. Francis of Assisi School in Allentown, and St. Francis Academy in Bally. When she retired from teaching, Sister Jean worked in parish ministry, first as a parish visitor at St. Columbkill Parish in Boyertown, and then as a pastoral associate at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bethlehem.

In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Sister Jean taught at St. Stanislaus School in Lansdale, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Doylestown, Resurrection of Our Lord School in Chester, and St. Aloysious School in Pottstown. She also served as a librarian for one year at St. Teresa of Calcutta School in Schwenksville. In 2026, Sister Jean became a resident of Assisi House in Aston, where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and will be livestreamed. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M., followed by a viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M., and burial will follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Jean is survived by her sister, Sister Patricia Wickenheiser, OSF, who is also a member of the congregation; her nephews Matthew, Michael, and Andrew; and her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.

To read a more personal write-up on Sister Jean, click here.

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The livestream will begin at 9:30 A.M. and can be accessed here.