Sister Francis Paula Bader, O.S.F., formerly Helen Margaret Bader, died Jan. 2 at Assisi House in Aston. She was 94, and a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 76 years.
Sister Francis Paula was born in Baltimore, Md., where she was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. She entered the congregation in 1931 and professed her first vows in 1935. She received a bachelor’s degree from Mt. St. Mary’s College and a master’s degree from the Catholic University in Washington, D.C.
Her ministry was in education, for 30 years in the Diocese of Wilmington; 20 years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore; 10 years in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.;three years
in the Diocese of Raleigh; three years in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, Fla.; two
years in the Diocese of Mobile, Ala.; and one year in the Diocese of Spokane, Wash.
She moved to Queen of Peace Convent in Aston and served as a volunteer at Assisi House until 2008, when she moved to Assisi House and served in prayer ministry until her death.
A funeral Mass was celebrated Jan. 5 at Assisi House. Interment was at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston.
She is survived by her nieces, and by her Franciscan family.
Share this story