Sister Rita Francis Fiefhaus, 94, who ministered for 24 years in the Diocese of Camden, died in Assisi House in Aston, Pa., on May 25.
A professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 71 years, Sister Rita Francis was born Mary Isabel Fiefhaus in Philadelphia. She entered the congregation in 1938, and professed her first vows in 1940.
A graduate of J.W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School, Sister Rita Francis earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Villanova University.
She ministered primarily in education and parish ministry in the dioceses of Camden, Allentown and Harrisburg, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
In the Diocese of Camden, she served as the Director of Religious Education for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Absecon from 1975-99.
Additional ministry includes three years in Falls River, Mass., at St. Mary’s Home in New Bedford, 1951-54.
From 1999-2006, she continued her prayer ministry in Philadelphia at St. Agnes Medical Center Convent. From 2006 until her death, she served at Assisi House in Aston.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, May 30 in Assisi House, and burial was in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston.
Sister Rita Francis is survived by her sister, Anne Bahr; nieces; a nephew; grandnieces; grandnephews; and by her Franciscan family.
Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
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