Compiled by
Angela Arrington
Sister Marita Regina, I.H.M.
Sister Marita Regina, I.H.M., formerly Eileen O’Connor, died April 27, 2009, at Camilla Hall. She was born in Philadelphia and entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1954 and professed her first vows in 1957. For many years, she served as a teacher and administrator in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the dioceses of Camden, Harrisburg and Savannah, Ga. She is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Jeanette Gravey O’Connor, and two brothers, Edward and Frank. A funeral Mass was celebrated May 4 at Camilla Hall. Interment followed in the Immaculata Cemetery. She is survived by her sisters, Janice and Peggy, her brother, James, numerous nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces and members of her religious community.
Catherine “Pat” Zakrewski
Catherine “Pat” Zakrewski died from complications related to a stroke on April 13, 2009, at Abington Memorial Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Roxborough and graduated from St. John the Baptist Elementary and High School. She was very active in her parish, Immaculate Heart of Mary, and served as president of the Marian Guild, along with being a greeter during Masses and a member of the Altar Society. A Funeral Mass was celebrated April 18 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Interment followed. She is survived by her husband Henry, her daughter, Barbara, and her sons, Robert, Michael, Joseph, Mark, Kevin and Paul.
Sister Beatrice Diamond, O.S.F.
Sister Beatrice Diamond, O.S.F., formerly Sister Beatrice Gerard, died April 30, 2009, at the Assisi House in Aston. She was 90. She was a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 73 years. She was born in Aston Mill and entered the congregation of sisters in 1932. She professed her first vows in 1936 and later went on to study and become an X-ray technician at St. Francis Hospital in Delaware. In 1960, she was elected vice president of the American Society of X-Ray Technicians and president of the Pennsylvania Society of X-Ray technicians. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in social services and a master’s degree in social work from the Catholic University of America. She worked at St. Mary’s Hospital as a director of social services and served as special projects coordinator. She ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 32 years. She later retired and moved to the Assisi House in 2008. A Funeral Mass was celebrated May 5 at the Assisi House. Interment followed at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Aston. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Dorothy, nieces, nephews and her Franciscan family.
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