Obituaries

Dominican sister, former leader of congregation, dies

Dominican Sister of Peace Sister Carolyn Krebs, worked in ministry at the sisters' former retreat house in Elkins Park, died Jan. 18.

Franciscan sister, active in education and pastoral ministry, dies

Sister Charlotte Lagnese was a Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 57 years. She was a graduate of Neumann and La Salle universities, and was honored for her volunteer service in health care.

In retirement, priest ministered at nursing home before his death

Father Gerald S. Smith, 76, was laid to rest Jan. 16. He served for many years at St. Rose of Lima Parish in North Wales before retiring at nearby St. Mary's Center in Lansdale, where he comforted other sick people.

Immaculate Heart sister dies at age 84

Sister Maria Manuel Collins, I.H.M., was in her 65th year of religious life. She taught in elementary and secondary schools in the Philadelphia Archdiocese and the Harrisburg and Allentown dioceses.

I.H.M. Sister, long-time science teacher, dies at 87

Sister Ave Maria McCusker taught in many high schools of the Philadelphia Archdiocese and was the Chemistry Department chair at Immaculata University.

Franciscan sister dies in 80th year of religious life

Sister Fabia Dzienis, 99, was a Philadelphia native and Villanova graduate who served in five states, mostly in various health care positions.

I.H.M. sister dies at age 96; spent 78 years in religious life

Sister Jean Dolores Moratti, I.H.M., taught in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Diocese of Arlington, and served her religious community as a superior.

Dominican sister who worked on retreats dies at 87

Dominican Sister of Peace Catherine Marie Servis, a native of Philadelphia, worked closely with young adult volunteers during her ministry at Dominican-run retreat houses.

Franciscan sister, a teacher for 57 years, dies

Sister Joan Schmal, O.S.F, taught briefly in Allentown before spending most of her ministry teaching in Catholic schools of the Philadelphia Archdiocese. She was once named educator of the year.

Deacon Kretsch dies at 88, after years serving in Norristown area

Deacon Donald J. Kretsch, a retired permanent deacon, ministered at Holy Savior and St. Helena parishes. He once met and prayed with Blessed Mother Teresa.