Aston, PA – Sister Mary Alice Ashton, OSF, (formerly Sister Robert Ann), died on June 12. She was sixty-seven years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for thirty-nine years. Sister Mary Alice was born in Baltimore Maryland, where she was a member of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1965, she graduated from Mt. St. Agnes High School and taught at St. Elizabeth School in Baltimore. She also worked for a time at the Rosewood State Training School. Sister Mary Alice professed her first vows in 1968. She earned a B.A. in Social Sciences. She ministered primarily in elementary education as a teacher and principal and was at one point named Teacher of the Month by COX Cable TV.
Sister Mary Alice ministered for sixteen years in the Diocese of Charleston. She taught at Divine Redeemer School in Hanahan (1981-1984), Cathedral School in Charleston (1988-1990), and St. Andrew Catholic School in Myrtle Beach (1990-2000). In 1984-1985 she was principal of St. Joseph School in Anderson.
Sister Mary Alice’s eight years of service in the Archdiocese of Baltimore included teaching at St. Anthony School (1976-1978), St. Joseph School in Fullerton (1978-1981), and Charles A. Hall Middle School (1985-1988). At the time of her death, she was traveling from her ministry in Oakland, California, to begin a new ministry at The Catholic High School of Baltimore.
Sister Mary Alice ministered in the Diocese of Oakland for seven years. From 2001-2004 she taught at St. Augustine School where she also served as a Title I teacher. From 2004-2008 she taught at St. Martin dePorres Regional School and also served as coordinator of the lower school.
From 1968-1972 Sister Mary Alice ministered in the Diocese of Wilmington, teaching at Immaculate Conception School in Elkton.
In the Diocese of Orlando, Sister Mary Alice taught at St. John Vianney School in Orlando (1972-1976).
All services will be held in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 4414 Frankford Avenue in Baltimore. Viewing will be on Wednesday, June 18 from 7-9 P.M. and Thursday, June 19 from 9:30-11 A.M, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Holy Redeemer Cemetery on Belair Road in Baltimore. Sister Mary Alice is survived by her sister, Sister Susanne Ashton, RSM; two brothers, William Ashton and Peter Ashton; two step-brothers, Robert Lundquist and Phillip Lundquist; nieces, nephews, and cousins; and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
