Aston, PA—Sister Regina Joseph Dearden, OSF, 92, died in Assisi House on February 5. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 70 years. Sister Regina Joseph (Marguerite Theresa Dearden) was born in Camden, New Jersey, but later moved to Philadelphia where she was a member of St. Benedict Parish. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Commercial School. She entered the congregation in 1938 and professed her first vows in 1941. Sister Regina Joseph earned a B.S. in Pharmacy from Duquesne University College of Pharmacy and ministered primarily in healthcare. She began her years in ministry in the Diocese of Harrisburg. She worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster from 1942-1943 and returned there again to serve from 1975-1977.

Sister Regina Joseph ministered for 53 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She worked at St. Agnes Hospital (1947-1966, 1988-2001) and St. Mary Hospital (1978-1988). She also ministered for a short time at Our Lady of Angels in Aston (1977-1978). She moved to Assisi House in 2001 and served in prayer ministry until her death.

Sister Regina Joseph ministered in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for nine years, serving at St. Joseph Hospital from 1966-1975.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, February 9. 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 Regina Joseph is survived by her brother, Francis Dearden, a niece and nephew, 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.