Aston, PA-Sister Pauline Marie Kirchner, OSF, (formerly Pauline Regina), died in Assisi House on February 27. She was 90 years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 70 years. Sister Pauline was born in Lancaster, where she was a member of St. Joseph Parish. Sister Pauline professed her first vows in 1937 and later earned a B.S. in Education from Villanova University and a M.S. in Educational Guidance from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She ministered in Elementary and Secondary education. In her leisure time, Sister Pauline enjoyed sewing, crafts, and shopping.
Sister Pauline ministered for thirty-two years in the Diocese of Wilmington at Padua Academy (1973-2005) as a teacher, a volunteer, and a counselor.
Sister Pauline also ministered for nineteen years in the Diocese of Trenton where she taught at Immaculate Conception (1938-1939), St. Anthony School (1939-1943), Blessed Sacrament School (1944-1946), and St. Anthony High School (1963-1973).
Sister Pauline also ministered for thirteen years in the Diocese of Harrisburg. She taught at St. Gertrude School (1943-1944) and then returned to become Principal (1957-1963). She also taught at St. Joseph School in York (1948-1954).
Sister Pauline’s three years in the Diocese of Boston included teaching at Holy Trinity High School (1954-1957).
In 2005, Sister Pauline moved to Assisi House in Aston in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, March 4. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Pauline is predeceased by her sister, Sister Grace Francis Kirchner, and is survived by nieces, nephews, and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
