Obituaries
Sister Marie Kerr, Franciscan and longtime nurse, dies at 87
The Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia ministered in health care for the poor for most of her 66 years in the congregation, including 33 in Philadelphia. She especially loved her 13 years in Zambia, Africa.
Retired pastor of St. Joseph Parish, Downingtown, dies at 95
Father William J. Smith was a priest of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 69 years. He served in several parishes until being named pastor of St. Joseph's in 1975 and pastor emeritus in 1991.
Sister Regina Mary Meehan, teacher in 6 dioceses on East Coast, dies at 81
She was in the 63rd year of her religious life in the Sisters of St. Joseph Chestnut Hill, having ministered as a longtime teacher in Catholic schools.
Franciscan Sister Theresa Kane, primarily a teacher, dies at age 87
The Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia was a member of the congregation for 66 years. She ministered mostly in the Baltimore Archdiocese where she was an honored and beloved Catholic school teacher.
Norma McCorvey, plaintiff in Roe ruling who later became pro-life, dies
Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff "Jane Roe" in the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion virtually on demand, died Feb. 18 at an assisted-living facility in Katy, Texas.
Michael Novak, noted theologian, philosopher and author, dies at 83
UPDATED - Michael Novak, a Catholic philosopher, theologian and author who was highly regarded for his religious scholarship and intellectual independence, died Feb. 17 at his home in Washington.
Deacon Philip Heaney laid to rest from Maternity Parish in NE Phila.
Ordained in 1996 and married for 52 years, the deacon was an accountant by trade but “if anyone asked him what his career was, he probably would have said deacon,” his son said. He died Feb. 7 at age 78.
Bill Peffley, Catholic Shop owner and Legion of Mary leader, dies at 87
William C. “Bill” Peffley Jr. owned, along with his wife Mary, a prosperous Catholic goods store in Norristown. A friend of Legion of Mary founder Frank Duff, Peffley led the Legions Philadelphia chapter for many years.
Msgr. Richard Skelly, retired pastor of Morton parish, dies at 89
Named pastor emeritus of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in 2003, the priest is remembered as a wise shepherd for his parishioners and a good host for his friends.
Bishop Lohmuller: A long, rich life in service to the church
At his death last week at 97, the retired bishop was the oldest in the U.S. and longest serving priest in Philadelphia. "His purpose in life was to serve the church,” said a friend. Read his full obituary ahead of the funeral on Wednesday.