Aston, PA—Sister Mary Breen, OSF (formerly Sister Patrick Mary), 86, died in Assisi House on November 24. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 67 years. Sister Mary was born in Kiskeam, County Cork, Ireland. Along with her sister, Sister Stella Mary Breen, she entered the congregation in 1949 and professed her first vows in 1952. She ministered primarily in food services and as a licensed practical nurse.

Sister Mary’s early years in ministry were spent on the east coast. She ministered for four years at St. Bernadette Convent in Silver Spring, part of the Archdiocese of Washington, DC. Another year was spent in the Diocese of Wilmington at St. Peter Convent in New Castle, Delaware. During her six years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, she ministered at Our Lady of Angels Convent, the congregation’s motherhouse in Aston.

Sister Mary ministered for 33 years in the Diocese of Baker. She ministered at St. Elizabeth Nursing Home in Baker, St. Anthony Hospital in Pendleton, and Mt. Alvernia in Pendleton.

Sister Mary ministered for 12 years the Archdiocese of Seattle where she served as a senior companion at Evergreen Nursing Home and volunteered at both St. Ann Convent in Tacoma and St. Francis House in Puyallup. Another 12 years were spent in the Diocese of Clayne in her native Ireland where she ministered at Mt. Alvernia Hospital in Mallow, County Cork.

In 2018 Sister Mary returned to the east coast where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry at Assisi House, the congregation’s motherhouse in Aston until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, Aston, Pennsylvania, 19014 on December 3. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M. followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial at will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. In addition to Sister Stella Mary, Sister Mary is survived by her brother, Thomas Breen, many 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.

Read Sister Mary’s memorial write-up.