Aston, PA–Sister Rose Veronica Leisner, OSF, died in Assisi House on August 28. She was ninety-three years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for seventy-three years. Sister Rose Veronica was born in Philadelphia, where she was a member of St. Ludwig Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1933, she worked at S.S. Kresge Company. Sister Rose Veronica professed her first vows in 1935 and later earned a B.S. in Education from Villanova University. She ministered primarily in elementary education both as principal and teacher. After her retirement she served in healthcare and in prison ministry. In 1994 she received an award from the House of Corrections for her volunteer work in prison ministry in Philadelphia. In her leisure time she enjoyed watching sports.
Sister Rose Veronica ministered for fifty-four years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at Resurrection School in Chester (1945-1948, 1957-1960), Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Morton (1948-1954), St. Benedict School (1955-1957), St. Elizabeth School (1966-1967), and St. Stanislaus School in Lansdale (1967-1970). From 1960-1966 she was principal of St. Alphonsus School. She ministered at St. Mary Hospital (Fishtown) as director of volunteers and manager of the gift shop from 1975-1982. From 1985-1988 she volunteered at Holmesburg Prison where she tutored prisoners in reading and Math. From 1988-2004 Sister Rose Veronica was busy with many types of ministry: tutoring at the Philadelphia House of Corrections, serving as caregiver for a family member, and prayer ministry at both St. Francis Convent and St. George Convent. In 2004 she moved to Assisi House in Aston where she continued to serve in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Rose Veronica ministered for eighteen years in the Diocese of Allentown. At three different times in her life (1935-1937, 1941-1945, 1970-1974) she worked with the children at St. Francis Home in Orwigsburg and taught at St. Ambrose School in Schuylkill Haven. She also taught at Sacred Heart School (1937-1941) and St. Francis School (1974-1975). From 1982-1985 she tutored prisoners at Northhampton County Prison.
Sister Rose Veronica also ministered for one year in the Diocese of Harrisburg where she taught at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Dolyestown (1954-1955).
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Wednesday, September 3. 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 Rose Veronica is survived by a sister, Caroline Hart from Oil City, Pennsylvania, nieces and nephews, and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
