Aston, PA—Sister Loretta Francis Mann, OSF, (92), died in Assisi House on December 21. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 69 years. Sister Loretta (Doris Jeanne Mann) was born in York, Pennsylvania, where she was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish and a graduate of York Catholic High School.  She entered the congregation in 1948 and professed her first vows in 1951. She earned a BS in English from Villanova University and an MA in Elementary Education from the Catholic University of America. Sister Loretta Francis ministered primarily in education as teacher and principal as well as in diocesan administration.

Sister Loretta Francis’ years in ministry began in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where she served for 23 years. She taught at Resurrection School in Chester, Nativity School in Media, and St. Elizabeth School in Philadelphia. In 2018 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.

Sister Loretta Francis ministered for 40 years in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Thirty of those years were spent as assistant superintendent of Catholic schools. She later served with the Holy Childhood Association in Bloomfield. During her last six years in the archdiocese, Sister Loretta volunteered as a “baby cuddler” at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford.

During Sister Loretta Francis’ five years of ministry in the Diocese of Allentown, she taught at Sacred Heart School in Allentown.

All services will be at Assisi House, Monday, December 28 at 11 A.M.  All services are private.  Interment of ashes will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery.  Sister Francis Anne is survived by her sister, Susanne; her 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.

Read an article in the Good News on Sr. Loretta’s time as a baby cuddler by clicking here.

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