Posted October 22, 2019

Sister Helen Francine Cantwell, S.S.J. (formerly Joan Frances Cantwell), age 87, died Oct. 1 at St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown in the 69th year of her religious life.

The daughter of the late Frank and Helen Cantwell, she attended St. John the Baptist Grade School and Little Flower High School in Philadelphia.

In September 1950 she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Chestnut Hill, and professed her final vows in 1958.

Sister Helen ministered in the dioceses of Allentown and Harrisburg, and the archdioceses of Philadelphia and Washington.

She is the sister of the late Eleanor Cantwell Blade and Dorothea Cantwell King. She is survived by nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews as well as members of her congregation, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

The funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 7 at St. Joseph Villa, attended by religious, relatives and friends.

Donations may be made in Sister Helen’s name to St. Joseph Villa, 110 Wissahickon Ave., Flourtown, PA 19031-1898.