Aston, PA—Sister Joella Matt died in Assisi House on May 16. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 80 years and would have celebrated her 100th birthday in July. Sister Joella was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of St. Joseph Parish. She entered the congregation in 1931 and professed her first vows in 1934. Her two sisters, Sister Joanne Matt and Sister Rosemary Matt also entered the congregation. Both are deceased. Sister Joella studied nursing at St. Joseph Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island, and became a registered nurse in 1936. She continued working at the hospital there during the following year.
Sister Joella ministered in Diocese of Allentown for 55 years—all of them at St. Joseph Hospital in Reading (1944-1974, 1976-2001). Her work there included service in many areas: medical/surgery supervisor, IV therapist, volunteer in admissions, and attendant in the dining room.
Sister Joella also ministered for 22 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She worked at St. Mary Hospital in Philadelphia from 1937-1944 as pediatric supervisor and again from 1974-1976 as an IV therapist. In 2001 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 610 Red Hill Road, Pennsylvania, 19014 on Thursday, May 22. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M. followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial at will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Joella is survived by 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.
