Sister Marie Paul Ashworth, Ssj

Sister Marie Paul Ashworth, SSJ

Sister Marie Paul Ashworth, SSJ, age 82, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on February 4, 2014. She was in the 64th year of her religious life. She was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on October 30, 1931, the daughter of the late George and Wilda (Wilkinson) Ashworth. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph from St. Andrew Parish in Erie, PA on September 1, 1950, professed her final vows on August 15, 1956, and celebrated her diamond jubilee (60 years) in 2010.

Sister Marie Paul graduated from Villa Maria Academy, Erie, PA, in 1950 and continued her education at Villa Maria College, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

Sister Marie Paul taught elementary school for six years at Villa Maria Elementary and Blessed Sacrament Schools in Erie; St. Bernard in Bradford, PA; and Holy Rosary in Johnsonburg, PA. She entered the nursing profession in 1959 and ministered at Saint Vincent Health Center in various positions for more than 54 years. She retired from active ministry in 2013.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Paul. She is survived by her sister, Mary Anne Ashworth of Erie; her sister-in-law, Carrie Ashworth of Texas; her nephews George and Mark Ashworth, also of Texas; and many cousins. She is also survived by her religious community, the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Friends may call at the Sisters of St. Joseph Community Living Center, 5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, on Thursday, February 6 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. when a prayer service will be held. Calling hours will continue on Friday, February 7 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:30 p.m. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Community Support Fund of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 5031 West Ridge Road, Erie, PA, 16506-1249. The John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc. is handling arrangements.