Obituaries
Father Joseph Stec, high school Latin teacher for 37 years, dies at 88
Proud of his Polish heritage and supportive of immigrants, the retired pastor of St. Hedwig Parish in Philadelphia taught Latin to students at Cardinal Dougherty High School and Polish to seminarians.
Deacon Brouycie Isley of St. Helena parish dies at 69
Once a petty criminal, the Catholic convert and deacon faithfully served at parishes in the Germantown and Olney sections of Philadelphia, detailing his remarkable transformation in a 2007 memoir.
Sister Elizabeth Mercer, serving in 7 dioceses, dies at 91
The Delaware County native and graduate of Notre Dame High School in Moylan entered the Sisters of St. Joseph Chestnut Hill in September 1945, serving almost 73 years in religious life.
Msgr. James Shields, former teacher, pastor, dies at 82
After serving at Roman Catholic and Cardinal Dougherty High Schools, he was pastor of St. Anselm Parish in Philadelphia served in retirement at Mary Mother of the Redeemer, North Wales.
Father Robert Breen, longtime Cardinal Dougherty teacher, dies at 91
He taught at the Catholic high school for 35 years and was pastor of St. Lawrence Parish, Rieglesville, for 12 years. His advice on sports and prayer: "It's God's game, but you play with your own swing."
Sister Mary Elizabeth Keyser, Maryknoll Sister, dies at 98
The former St. Matthias parishioner and West Catholic graduate's 80 years of religious life included ministry in Chile and Bolivia, as well as in California and New York.
Sister Anna Hope Bauerlin, 93, longtime healthcare professional
The member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia recently celebrated her diamond jubilee, having ministered throughout the United States in medicine, clinical instruction and social services.
Archbishop Hunthausen, 96, led ecumenical efforts following Vatican II
The retired archbishop of Seattle esposed nuclear disarmament, broader roles for women in the church and outreach ministry to gays and lesbians. On ecumenism, he said, "we're all looking for ways to get to God."
Sister Marie Perpetua Sneeringer dies at age 94
Born and raised in the Harrisburg diocese, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1942 and ministered throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
Father James Whelan, former pastor of St. Kevin, dies at 72
After growing up in Northeast Philadelphia, Father Whelan was ordained in 1973. He is remember for his fraternity with fellow priests. Even in sickness, he was devoted to celebrating daily Mass.