Posted January 16, 2018

Sister Rita Marie Burian, O.S.F. (formerly Sister Paul Marita), 83, died Jan. 8 in Assisi House, Aston. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 56 years.

Sister Rita Marie was born in Allentown, Pa. where she was a member of Sacred Heart Parish and a graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. She entered the congregation in 1960 and professed her first vows in 1962.

Sister Rita earned a B.A. in English from Neumann University. She ministered primarily in elementary education.

Sister Rita ministered for 49 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where she taught at St. Benedict School and St. Bonaventure School, both in Philadelphia, and at St. Stanislaus School in Lansdale. In later years she also worked in the office at both St. Stanislaus School as well as at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Doylestown.

Sister Rita also served for six years in the Diocese of Allentown where she taught at Most Blessed Sacrament School in Bally and at Holy Ghost School in Bethlehem.

In 2016 she moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement residence in Aston, where she served in prayer ministry until her death.

The funeral Mass was Jan. 16 in Assisi House. Burial was in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston.

Sister Rita Marie is survived by a sister, Marita Beers, a niece and nephew, 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.