Franciscan Sister Anita Cattafesta, (formerly Sister Rita), died in Assisi House, Aston, Pa., Oct. 6.
Born in South Philadelphia, Sister Anita entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1952 and professed her first vows in 1955. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English humanities from Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., a master’s degree in education administration from Penn State, and a master’s in theological studies from the Franciscan School of Theology.
Sister Anita ministered primarily in education and administration. In the Trenton Diocese she ministered for 27 years, teaching in Holy Angels School, Hamilton, and St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft. She also served as assistant superintendent for the Diocese for four years and as coordinator of education for the St. Anthony Province for three years. In later years she served as vice president of mission and ministry for six years at St. Francis Medical Center.
Sister Anita also served for 30 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and she also spent five years in Zambia, Africa, serving in education at the MPIMA Seminary in St. Augustine. Additional ministry work included teaching and serving as principal in a school in the Diocese of Harrisburg.
Sister Anita is survived by a brother; two sisters; several nieces and nephews and their families, and her Franciscan family.
Funeral services were held in Assisi House, Aston, Pa. Burial was in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Aston.
Memorial donations can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.