Sister Kathleen Marita Lennon, I.H.M., dies at 84; was native of Most Blessed Sacrament Parish

Sister Kathleen Marita, formerly Kathleen Lennon, died Jan. 11 in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, in the 62nd year of her religious life. She was 84 years old.

Donald Parsons, supporter of Catholic education, dies at 87

Donald F. Parsons of West Chester, founder of Communications Test Design, died Jan. 7 at age 87. Parsons was born in Halethorpe, Md., on Jan. 31, 1925 and grew up in West Philadelphia. He served in the Navy during World War II and then worked for 28 years with the AT&T Western Electric Co. He […]

Father Stephen Dougherty, beloved seminary professor, dies at 65

Father Stephen J. Dougherty, 65, a faculty member of St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and long-time resident at St. Margaret Parish, Narberth, died Jan. 5. His studies for the priesthood were very nearly ended when during a rural camping trip his automobile was struck by a train at an unmarked railroad crossing. Although the accident would have life-long medical consequences he was ordained on schedule May 19, 1973 by Cardinal John Krol at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul.

Msgr. Wendrychowicz, 65, pastor of Sellersville parish, laid to rest

Msgr. John B. Wendrychowicz, 65, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Sellersville, died Dec. 20. Born in Philadelphia, the son of the late John B. and Rita (Shepherd) Wendrychowicz, he attended Visitation B.V.M. School, St. George School and Northeast Catholic High School, which he left during his sophomore year, to enter St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. He […]

Sister Mary Ellen Eckardt, I.H.M., dies at 87; founded first IHM Literacy Center

Sister Mary Ellen, I.H.M., formerly Eleanor Marie Eckardt, died in Camilla Hall, Immaculata, Dec. 14 in the 68th year of her religious life. She was 87 years old. Born in Philadelphia Sister Mary Ellen entered the Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in 1944 from St. Henry Parish in Philadelphia, […]

Deacon Thompson remembered for Christ-like charity and holiness

Deacon James A. Thompson, 82, a retired permanent deacon who had been assigned to Stella Maris Parish in Philadelphia, died Dec. 13. Born in Philadelphia, he graduated from La Salle College and served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956. He was a federal civil service employee for 39 years, and to further […]

Lauded by friends, ‘incredibly unique’ Father Coates dies at age 94

Father John T. Coates, 94, pastor emeritus of St. Helena Parish in Blue Bell, died Dec. 11. Born in Philadelphia, the son of the late Washington and Mary A. (Guckin) Coates, he attended Ascension of Our Lord, James Russell Lowell and St. Helena Elementary Schools and Northeast Catholic High School before entering St. Charles Borromeo […]

In Loving Memory: Joseph Washklovitch Sr.

Deacon Eichman, of St. Kevin Parish, laid to rest

Deacon Thomas E. Eichman, 84, a retired permanent deacon at St. Kevin Parish in Springfield, died Nov. 27. Born in Philadelphia the son of the late Edward A. and Frances (Liebert) Eichman, he was a graduate of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, Villanova University and Villanova School of Law. He was a veteran of the Korean […]