Obituaries
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.
Father Moore, beloved pastor of St. Benedict’s, dies at 76
As a seminarian, Father George Moore served at Most Precious Blood Parish where he got his first taste of ministry in the African American community, which really became his life’s work. He was pastor of St. Benedict's for 35 years.
Father DeSimone, scholar on early church fathers, dies at 90
Augustinian Father Russell J. DeSimone died Dec. 29. Known internationally as a Patristic scholar, he was also the brother of retired Philadelphia Auxiliary Bishop Louis A. DeSimone.
Sister Anita, native of Transfiguration Parish, dies at 83
Sister Anita Regina Timlin, I.H.M., died Dec. 11 in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, in the 65th year of her religious life. She taught in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Dioceses of Hartford and Camden.