Aston, PA-Sister Marie Matilda Cipriano, OSF, died in Assisi House on January 24. She was 94 years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 62 years. Sister Marie Matilda (Matilda Elizabeth Cipriano) was born in Philadelphia where she was a member of St. Gregory Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1945, she graduated from West Catholic High School and work as a commercial artist for Fenton Label Co. and Beck Engraving Co. Sister Marie Matilda earned a B.S. in English from Mt. St. Mary College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, and ministered primarily in elementary education. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading, music, and art.
Sister Marie Matilda ministered for 39 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at St. Aloysius School in Pottstown, St. Mary School in Manayunk, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Morton, and Resurrection School in Chester. From 1989-2005 she lived at Holy Savior Convent in Linwood and during many of those years volunteered in the gift shop at Assisi House. In 2005 she moved to Assisi House and served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Marie Matilda ministered in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for 20 years. She taught at Immaculate Conception School in Towson, St. Elizabeth School, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School.
In the Diocese of Wilmington, Sister Marie Matilda taught at St. Anthony School and at Holy Angels School in Newark.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, January 28. 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 Marie Matilda is survived by her sister Rita Catani; a niece, nephews; and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
