Obituaries
Sister Maureen Barr, S.S.J., dies at age 64
After graduating from Archbishop Ryan High School in Philadelphia, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1973, and would go on to minister in the archdiocese and in Harrisburg and Wilmington.
St. Joseph Sister Marie Cooke dies at age 89
The former Sister George Miriam entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1950 from St. Boniface Parish and Hallahan High. She would go on to serve in three dioceses, including Philadelphia.
Sister Georgellen, longtime Franciscan sister and teacher, dies at 95
The former Lorraine Theresa Brilmyer was born in Washington, D.C. and entered religious life in 1948. She earned degrees in mathematics and history, and taught for many years.
Sister Theodore, Franciscan sister for 77 years, dies at 98
Sister Theodore Klingseisen, O.S.F., was born in Germany and entered her congregation in 1940. In her long ministry she taught for 55 years in the Philadelphia Archdiocese.
Father Joseph McCloskey, retired Navy chaplain, pastor dies at 85
The South Philadelphia native marched with the Mummers as a young man then studied for the priesthood. As a priest chaplain he rose to commander and served on aircraft carriers in Vietnam and the Middle East.
Father Francis Gallagher dies, was former pastor in Croydon
Ordained in 1964 by Archbishop John Krol, Father Gallagher served mostly as a parochial vicar at several archdiocesan parishes before he was named pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Croydon.
Father Edmond Speitel, WWII soldier, Army chaplain dies at 93
The Philadelphia native enlisted in the Army during World War II and after his ordination became a chaplain serving in Vietnam, rising to colonel. A pastor of two parishes, he will be laid to rest April 9.
Sister Ella Mae Hill, S.S.J., dies at age 86
The Philadelphia native and Hallahan High School grad entered the Sisters of St. Joseph as Sister Michael Andrew, and served in the Philadelphia Archdiocese and two other dioceses.
Sister Mary Bonaventure Gowan, skilled nurse, dies at 86
The Sister of Mercy showed resourcefulness in feeding people during a drought in India. She later became a director of McAuley Convent in Merion. She is remembered for her compassion and laughter.
Sister William Eileen Jester, West Phila. native, dies
The former Helen Marie Jester attended St. Agatha Grade School and West Catholic High School before entering the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1952. She would teach in Philadelphia and four other dioceses.