Aston, PA—Sister Marie Monica Borden, OSF, 84, died in her home in Pendleton, Oregon, on May 23. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 60 years. Sister Marie Monica was born in Yakima, Washington, and at the time of her entrance into the congregation in 1957 was a member of St. Francis Cabrini Parish in Benton City, Washington. She professed her first vows in 1959. Sister Marie Monica earned a B.A. in Education from Marylhurst College in Portland, Oregon, in 1962, an M.A. in Counseling from the University of Oregon in 1972, and an M.A. in Private School Administration from the University of San Francisco in 1982. She ministered primarily in education, congregational ministry, and healthcare.

Sister Marie Monica ministered for 23 years in the Diocese of Baker. She served as both teacher and principal at Sacred Heart Academy in Klamath Falls and since 2006 has volunteered as part of the chaplaincy support program at St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton.

Sister Monica’s work in religious formation took her to the congregation’s motherhouse in Aston, Pennsylvania; to Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico; and to Our Lady of Angels Provincial House in Portland. Additional ministry in the Diocese of Portland include serving as principal at St. John XXIII School.

During her six years in the Diocese of Spokane, Sister Marie Monica taught at St. Charles School and served as an intake therapist at the former St. Joseph Family Counseling Center—both in Spokane.

Additional ministry experience include teaching at St. Mary Magdalen School in the Diocese of San Diego and at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Riverside in the Diocese of San Bernardino, and serving as principal at St. Margaret School in Riverton in the Diocese of Cheyenne.

Sister Monica survived by her sisters, Catherine Finley, Agnes Dauncey, and Theresa Borden; by her nieces and nephews; and by her Franciscan family. The rosary will be held at 7 P.M. on Monday, June 3rd, at Pendleton Pioneer Chapel.  A memorial Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11 A.M. on Tuesday, June 4th, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with burial to follow at Olney Cemetery.

Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.

Read a tribute article in the East Oregonian. Click here

Read Sister Marie Monica’s memorial write-up.