Posted March 24, 2023

Sister Jacinta Marie Brazil, OSF, 82, died in Assisi House on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. She had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 65 years.

Sister Jacinta (Brigid Philomena) was born in Corrmore, County Offaly, Ireland, where she was a member of St. Colmcille Church in Mallow. She entered the congregation in 1955 and professed her first vows in 1958. Sister Jacinta Marie earned BA in education from Marylhurst College and a master’s in education from the University of Portland. She ministered primarily in education and spiritual ministry.

Sister Jacinta ministered for 24 years in the Diocese of Portland where she taught at St. John Fisher School, Portland, and at St. James School, McMinnville. She also served as a cook for Our Lady of Angels Convent in Portland and later served on the congregation’s provincial council. During her years of study at the University of Portland, she also served as learning assistance counselor.

Additional ministry on the West Coast included two years in the Diocese of Spokane at St. Charles School; one year in the Diocese of Seattle at St. Charles School, Tacoma; five years in the Oakland Diocese at St. John School, Wasco, and St. Isidore School, Danville; and one year in the San Diego Diocese at St. Mary Magdalene School.

Sister Jacinta later returned to her hometown in Ireland where she served for 23 years as both a caregiver and pastoral associate for Leamonaghan Parish in Westmeath.

Beginning in 2011, Sister Jacinta has served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. She ministered as a member of the Franciscan Care Team to our sisters at Assisi House and in local house ministry. In 2022 she moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement residence in Aston, where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.

All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, Aston, Pennsylvania, 19014 on Tuesday, March 28. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M. followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial at will be at 11 A.M. The funeral will be livestreamed. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Jacinta Marie is survived by her sisters, Mary Osterhus and Jacinta Wray; her brothers, John and Denis Brazil; her many nieces and nephews, and her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.