Sister Maureen Catherine Cassel died on February 1, 2021 in Camilla Hall. Sister Catherine was in the 71st year of her religious life. God rest her beautiful soul.
Catherine was born on December 18, 1930. Sister’s parents Harry and Catherine (Quigley) raised their family of four boys and one girl in St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Norristown, PA. Catherine attended St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School followed by St. Matthew High School in Conshohocken. Catherine graduated from St. Matthew High School in 1948. Later, while in the Community, Catherine earned her A.B. Degree from Immaculata College and M.Ed. Degree from West Chester State University.
Catherine entered the Congregation on September 8, 1949; she received her habit and her religious name, Sister Maureen Catherine, on April 10, 1950; and she professed her First Vows on April 13, 1952.
During the course of Sister’s ministry, she served in many different and life-giving capacities. Sister taught children in grades 3 through 8 in Philadelphia and outlying areas, Incarnation, St. Monica, St. Jerome (Tamaqua), Holy Innocents, St. Thomas, Immaculate Conception and one year teaching high students at St. Maria Goretti High School.
Sister Catherine served as Superior/Teacher at St. Ann in Lansford; Superior at Gesu; Superior/Principal at St. Ann in Phoenixville; Principal at Immaculate Conception; Superior/Principal at Holy Savior Norristown.
At the end of the 1988 school year, our administration appointed Sister Maureen Catherine Regional Superior in Sacred Heart Region. Sister resided at St. Francis de Sales convent for the next six years. At the end of Sister’s term, she went to St. Dorothy convent in Drexel Hill where she was Superior and Principal from August 1994 through August 1997.
From August 1997 through August 2000 Sister was the superior at Mary Immaculate Convent, where she assisted in the Student Affairs Office at “Goretti” for two years and secretary to the President at Hallahan High School for one year. In August 2000, our administration appointed Sister Maureen Catherine superior of the local community at Villa Maria House of Studies.
In August 2006, Sister went to St. Aloysius Academy and served as a receptionist at our IHM Educational Center for one year. Sister remained at St. Aloysius but joined the staff at our IHM Conference Center for the next five years. To the delight of many Sisters at the Motherhouse, Sister Maureen Catherine came back to VMHS in August 2012 to assist with many facets of clerical support.
In April 2018, Sister joined the Apostolate of Prayer Community at Camilla Hall. She rendered fruitful service all of her life and it was no different at Camilla Hall. Sister died peacefully on February 1, 2021.
In addition to her Congregation of IHM Sisters, Sister Maureen Catherine is survived by her brother Lawrence Cassel, many loving nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Her parents Harry and Catherine (Quigley) and her brothers Rev. Harry A. Cassel, OSA, Joseph D. Cassel, and Wilfred J. Cassel predecease sister.
The Visitation and Funeral Mass for Sister Maureen Catherine was private. During this time of the Covid pandemic, only a limited number of family members were able to attend. We celebrated Sister’s Funeral Mass in Camilla Hall on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. Reverend Michael DiGregorio, OSA, a member of the same community as Sister’s brother, was present but did not celebrate. Reverend Anthony Janton celebrated Sister’s Funeral Liturgy and delivered a meaningful homily.
God rest our dear Sister Maureen Catherine!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355