Obituaries
Sister Denise Williams dies, taught at Gwynedd Mercy Academy
The Daughter of Charity was a leader of her congregation in Pennsylvania and New York. She was 71, and had served in religious life for 52 years.
Sister of St. Joseph dies in 55th year of religious life
Sister Margaret Anne Marie Keane, S.S.J. (formerly Sister John Regina S.S.J.), 72, attended Incarnation Grade School and Cardinal Dougherty High School in Philadelphia before entering the congregation in 1963.
Sister M. Anna William Doyle, 78, dies at Camilla Hall
The native of Philadelphia and Ascension of Our Lord Parish ministered with the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for 60 years, teaching in the Philadelphia Archdiocese and three other dioceses.
Deacon Thomas Woods, former business exec, dies at 81
The permanent deacon ordained in 1994 was raised by an aunt and uncle after the death of his parents. He was educated at St. Thomas More High School and Villanova University before working in sales at Campbell Soup Co.
Grisez called ‘remarkable man’ whose work was ‘utterly true to the faith’
The late Germain Grisez, an influential Catholic philosopher, ethicist and moral theologian, was "a remarkable man" and a "very firm believer" whose faith "was unswervingly orthodox," Jesuit Father Peter Ryan said.
Deacon Manuel Beltran, 55, dies days short of receiving papal honor
Deacon Beltran, who died after a battle with cancer that had gone into remission after his visit to Lourdes, counseled Hispanic couples in the archdiocese along with his wife Becky, who accepted his papal award.
Beloved by priests, lay faithful, Father Charles Gormley dies at 93
The pastor emeritus of Mother of Divine Providence Parish in King Prussia led the parish for 14 years. His funeral Mass will be celebrated there on Friday, Feb. 2 by numerous priest friends who he affected deeply over the years.
Father Francis X. Herron, last of 3 priest brothers, dies at 87
The former pastor of St. Joan of Arc Parish and St. Irenaeus Parish, both in Philadelphia, died Jan. 6. His funeral will be celebrated Jan. 17 at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Springfield.
Sister Rita Marie Burian, 83, taught for 49 years in local schools
The religious sister had been a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 56 years. She taught mostly at St. Benedict and St. Bonaventure in Philadelphia and at St. Stanislaus, Lansdale.
Irish bishop recalls Cranberries’ musician for her faith, inspiration
Dolores O'Riordan, 46, died suddenly Jan. 15 in London, where she had been due to record material for a new release. Police were investigating her death, calling it "unexplained."