Aston, PA—Sister Stella Maris Ellis, OSF, 86, died in Assisi House on December 18. She was a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 64 years. Sister Stella Maris was born Catherine Mary Ellis in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was a member of St. Katharine Parish and a graduate of The Catholic High School. She entered the congregation in 1944 and professed her first vows in 1947. Sister Stella Maris earned a B.S. in Education from Villanova University and an M.A. in Business Education from Catholic University. She ministered primarily in education on both elementary and secondary levels. She also served as the congregational treasurer. In later years she ministered in office work and in prayer ministry. In 2004, Sister Stella Maris received the Peacemaker Award by the Franciscan Federation for her care and wisdom in acting as steward of the congregation’s resources. In her leisure time she enjoyed reading and listening to good music.

Sister Stella Maris ministered for 31 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where she taught at All Saints School, Philadelphia (1946-1954); St. Francis DeSales School, Lenni (1954-1959); St. Ignatius School, Yardley (1959-1960); and Little Flower High School, Philadelphia (1960-1966). She spent 10 years in the Diocese of Harrisburg where she taught at York Catholic High School, York, (1966-1976).

Sister Stella Maris ministered for 24 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore where she served in office work at St. Joseph Medical Center, Towson (1986-2005). She continued in prayer ministry for five years at St. Joseph Medical Center Convent (2005-2010).

In 2010 Sister Stella Maris moved to Assisi House where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Thursday, December 22, 2011. 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 Stella Maris is survived by her sister, Anne Lang; 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.