Aston, PA—Sister Margaret Mary Whelan, OSF, (formerly Sister Joseph Margaret) 94, died in Assisi House on Monday, October 14, 2024. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 74 years. Sister Margaret Mary was born in Dublin, Ireland, where she was a member of Our Lady of Dolours Parish in Glasnevin. She entered the congregation in 1947 and professed her first vows in 1950.  She earned her RN from St. Mary’s Hospital in Philadelphia and her BSN from Seattle University. She ministered primarily in healthcare and administration.

Sister Margaret ministered for 40 years in the Seattle Archdiocese.  She served as nursing supervisor at St. Joseph Hospital in Tacoma.  She later served as administrator and volunteer at St. Ann Convent and St. Joseph Medical Center, as well as volunteered at St. Leo Parish in Tacoma.  In 2014, she moved to St. Ann Convent and served in prayer and hospitality until 2017 when she moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement residence in Aston, Pennsylvania, where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.

For 21 years Sister Margaret served in the Baker diocese in Oregon.  She worked as a nurse and nursing supervisor at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Baker and at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton.

All services will be held in Assisi House on Friday, October 18, 2024, and will be livestreamed. 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 Margaret is survived by her sister-in-law, Phyllis Whelan, 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.

For a more personal write-up on Sr. Margaret, click here.

The livestream will begin at 9:30 A.M. To access the livestream click here:  https://www.youtube.com/live/2RKUVbROAPU.