Sister Helen Mary Reynolds, OSF, 87, died in Assisi House on Monday, November 7, 2022. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 64 years.
Sister Helen Mary was born Mary Ellen Reynolds in Baltimore, Maryland, where she was a member of St. Paul Parish and a graduate of The Catholic High School of Baltimore. She entered the congregation in 1956 and professed her first vows in 1958. She earned a BS in education from Villanova University and an MA in religious studies from St. Charles Seminary. She ministered primarily in elementary education.
Sister Helen Mary ministered for an impressive 55 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She taught at St. Benedict School for four years, Our Lady of Consolation School for eight years, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School for two years, all in Philadelphia. Most of her ministry life was spent at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Morton, where she taught for 27 years (1981-2008). In 2008, she moved to Assisi House in Aston, Pennsylvania, where she served in prayer and hospitality until her death.
Additional ministry work included teaching for nine years at Sacred Heart School in Allentown
All services were held in Assisi House on Wednesday, November 16. Burial is in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston.
Sister Helen Mary is survived by her nieces and nephews 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.
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