Funeral services will be held Sept. 16 in Assisi House, Aston, Pa., for Franciscan Sister Leslie Birks who died Sept. 10 at age 83.
The former Sister Mildred Mary had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 62 years. She was born in Trenton graduated from Cathedral High School. She entered the congregation in 1959 and professed her first vows in 1962. She earned a bachelor of arts degree in English Neumann University (then Our Lady of Angels College), Aston, and a master of arts in science education from West Chester University, West Chester, Pa.
Ministering primarily in elementary education and social services, Sister Leslie served for 21 years in the Diocese of Trenton where she taught at St. Leo the Great School, Lincroft, and Holy Angels School, St. Anthony Grade School and McCorristin Catholic High School, all in Hamilton. Additionally, she taught for five years in the Harrisburg diocese.
In the mid-1980s Sister Leslie switched focus to social work and served for five years in the Archdiocese of Boston and for 34 years, she served those who are poor and homeless in Philadelphia. She moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement community, in 2024 where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.
Sister Leslie’s funeral services will begin with a Christian Wake Service at 9:30 a.m., followed by viewing. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11. Internment of Ashes will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston.
Sister Leslie is survived by her brother, her cousins and her Franciscan family. Memorial donations can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Rd., Aston, Pa. 19014.