Florida Catholic | Obituary :: Sister Rachel Elias

OBITUARY

Franciscan Sister Rachel Elias, 80

Published: 06.06.08

Let Us Pray

Absolve, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the soul of Thy servant Sister Rachel Elias, from every bond of sin, that being raised in the glory of the resurrection, she may be refreshed among the Saints and Elect. We pray through Christ our Lord.
Amen

ASTON, Pa. | Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia Rachel Marian Irene Elias died in Assisi House here May 16 at the age of 80. She was a professed member of the community for 52 years.

Sister Elias was born in Pottstown, Pa., where she graduated from Pottstown High School and was a member of St. Aloysius Parish. Prior to her entrance into the congregation in 1953, she worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. She earned a B.A. in history from Neumann College in Aston and ministered primarily in elementary education, congregational ministry and parish ministry.

Between 1955 and 2000, Sister Elias ministered in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and in the dioceses of Harrisburg and Allentown in Pennsylvania, and Trenton, N.J.

For the seven years prior to her death, Sister Elias served in parish ministry at St. Anne Parish in Marianna and St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Chipley. In April 2008 she moved to Assisi House, where she served in prayer ministry.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated May 21 at Assisi House. Burial followed in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Elias is survived by her sister, Lucille Trimm of South Hills, Va.; brothers Thomas Elias of Hendersonville, N.C.; David Elias of Murphy, N.C.; and Victor Elias of Portugal; and by her Franciscan family.

Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.

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OBITUARY

Franciscan Sister Rachel Elias, 80

Let Us Pray

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