Aston, PA—Sister Marie Olivette Weiss, OSF, 99 died in Assisi House, Aston, on July 24. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 79 years and would have celebrated her 100th birthday in December. Sister Marie Olivette (Gertrude Mary Weiss) was born in Trenton, New Jersey, where she was a member of Holy Angels Parish and a graduate of St. Mary Cathedral High School. She entered the congregation in 1930 and professed her first vows in 1933. Sister Marie Olivette earned a B.S. in Education and an M.S.S. in Science, both from Villanova University. She ministered in education on both elementary and secondary levels.
Sister Marie Olivette ministered for 41 years in the Diocese of Trenton. She taught at St. Anthony School (1945-1949) and at McCorristin High School (1972-1989). From 1989-2007 she ministered in Trenton Catholic Academy, volunteering in the studies office. From 2007-2009 she served in local house ministry at St. Anthony Convent in Trenton. In 2009 she moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement residence in Aston, Pennsylvania, where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Marie Olivette also ministered for 24 years in the Diocese of Harrisburg. She taught at St. Joseph School, Lancaster (1944-1945); York Catholic High School (1949-1953, 1971-1972); and Lancaster Catholic High School (1953-1971).
During Sister Marie Olivette’s seven years in the Diocese of Hartford, she taught at St. Boniface School in New Haven (1935-1942).
Additional ministry experience included teaching at St. Joseph School, Easton, Pennsylvania (1930-31); St. Anthony School, Baltimore, Maryland (1932-1934); St. Paul School, Wilmington, Delaware (1934); and St. Nicholas School, Egg Harbor, New Jersey (1942-1944).
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Friday, July 27. 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 Olivette 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.
