Aston, PA—Sister Marie John Holland, OSF (91), died in Assisi House on October 18. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 67 years. Sister Marie John (Marion Rita Holland) was born in Tremont, Pennsylvania. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1950, she graduated from Cherry Township High School in Mildred, Pennsylvania, and was a member of Cathedral Parish in Philadelphia. Sister Marie John earned a BS in Social Studies from Villanova University. She ministered primarily in elementary and secondary education.

Sister Marie John ministered for 35 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at St. Stanislaus School in Lansdale, St. Alphonsus School in Philadelphia, and St. Aloysius School in Pottstown. During the past 20 years, she worked at Hallahan High School where she served as copy room facilitator and coordinator of the service program as well as overseeing the school store.

During her 22 years in the Diocese of Allentown, Sister Marie John taught at St. Mauritius School in Ashland, St. Francis of Assisi School in Allentown, and served as principal at Holy Child School in Bethlehem.

Sr. Marie John also taught for 10 years in the Diocese of Trenton where she taught at St. Michael Orphanage in Hopewell and St. Anthony School in Trenton.

In the Diocese of Camden, Sister Marie John taught at St. Nicholas School in Egg Harbor. Earlier this year she moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement in Aston, Pennsylvania, where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, Aston, Pennsylvania, 19014 on Tuesday, October 22. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M. followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial at will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Marie John is survived by her cousins, 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.