Obituaries
Sister Laureen Discher, 98, dies after 80 years of religious service
The I.H.M. sister originally from St. Martin of Tours Parish in Philadelphia taught in archdiocesan schools and in Peru before serving for many years at Villa Maria House of Studies, Immaculata.
Msgr. John Close, pastor with love for the elderly, dies at 74
The resident of Chester who would go on to become principal of the Catholic high school there, was ordained in 1969. He is recalled for his strong administrative skills, prayer life and care for elderly parishioners.
Longtime Sister of St. Joseph Veronica Connor dies at 82
The Philadelphia native and parishioner of St. Leo's in Tacony entered religious life in 1952. She went on to serve in the Archdioceses of Philadelphia and Washington, and the Dioceses of Allentown, Camden and Trenton.
Longtime teacher Sister Mercita Valentine dies at 86
The Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, originally from St. Laurence Parish in Upper Darby, ministered primarily in education for 67 years.
IHM Sister Charles Mary Hanlon, 99, was longtime reading specialist
In her 81 years as a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the native of St. Edmond Parish in Philadelphia was involved for many years with assisting disadvantaged children through the federal Title I Program.
Mercy Sister Mary Franceline Marsh dies at 101
At only 4 foot 9 inches, the diminutive sister nevertheless handled any discipline matter that arose as a teacher at Cardinal Dougherty High School. She spent decades serving at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, Darby.
Sister Angela Erhard dies at 92; longtime service in Maryland
The Franciscan sister, who grew up in Philadelphia, ministered for 42 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore in education and elder care, which she continued in the Philadelphia Archdiocese in her later years.
Franciscan Sister de Paul Schmidt dies at 105
In her long ministry of 89 years as a sister of the Bernardine order, she served as a teacher and school staff in five states.
IHM Sister Anne Marie Meehan dies at age 88
The former Most Blessed Sacrament parishioner joined the Immaculate Heart of Mary sisters in 1949. After many years as a teacher, in her final years she visited the sick and elderly of Holy Innocents Parish, Philadelphia.
Sister Philomena Hartley, 84, dies after 66 years in religious life
One of 11 children, the graduate of Little Flower High School in Philadelphia entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1952 and taught in three dioceses, including Philadelpha.