Aston, PA—Sister Noelita Marie Rodriguez, OSF, 93, died in Assisi House on Friday, March 6, 2026. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 72 years. Born Gloria Esther Rodriguez in Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, she was a member of St. Anthony Parish and a graduate of Monseñor Willinger Academy. She entered the congregation in 1951 and professed her first vows in 1954. She earned a B.A. in Spanish from the University of San Diego. She ministered primarily in elementary education and social service.

Sister Noelita started her life in ministry on the West Coast — beginning in California, where she spent time in the Diocese of San Diego, first for two years at Our Lady of Guadalupe school, then later spending eight years at St. Mary Magdalene School. She also ministered in the Diocese of San Bernardino for a year as a teacher at St. Edward School in Corona; the Diocese of Oakland, working two years as a teacher in St. Isidore School in Danville; and the Diocese of Fresno, teaching elementary school children at St. John’s School in Wasco for five years.

She also spent time in Oregon, ministering in the Archdiocese of Portland, where she spent eight years — first as a teacher and then a social worker at Blessed Sacrament School in Portland; the Diocese of Baker, spending a year as a secondary teacher at St. Francis Academy; and the Archdiocese of Seattle, working one year as a secondary teacher at St. Leo School in Tacoma.

In addition, Sister Noelita spent four years as a teacher in the Diocese of Caguas, Puerto Rico, teaching at Parroquia San Antonio de Padua in Barranquitas.

On the East Coast, she ministered for 37 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, primarily in social service, beginning with Southern Homes Services, serving migrants and refugees through Catholic Social Services; teaching English as a Second Language at St. Boniface School in Philadelphia; then with Children’s Aid Society, giving service to children in their own homes. In 2023, Sister Noelita became a resident of Assisi House in Aston, where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, and will be livestreamed. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M., followed by a viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M., and burial will follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Noelita is survived by her brothers Jose and John; her sisters Carmin, Lourdes, Anita, and Hilda; her many nieces and nephews; and her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.

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Read a more personal write-up on Sister Noelita. 

The livestream will begin on Wednesday, March 11 at 9:30 A.M. Watch it live.