Franciscan Sister Marian William Fitzgerald, a professed member of the Sisters of St.
Francis of Philadelphia for 65 years, died April 3 at age 88.
Sister Marian William was the sister of the late Msgr. William F. Fitzgerald, who was a priest of the Diocese of Trenton for 63 years and served for 48 years in the central administration of the Diocese including as vicar general and chancellor. Msgr. Fitzgerald died in 2014.
Sister Marian William was born Marianne Rose Fitzgerald in South Amboy, where she was a member of St. Mary Parish and a graduate of St. Mary’s High School. She entered the congregation in 1957 and professed her first vows in 1960. She earned an associates degree in dietetics from the New York Institute of Dietetics and a bachelor of science degree in dietetics from Immaculata College, Immaculata, Pa.
Ministering primarily in healthcare, Sister Marian William served for 44 years in the Diocese of Trenton, including St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, first as the food service director and later as a volunteer receptionist.
Sister Marian William also ministered as a therapeutic dietitian in St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, Del., for one year; St. Mary Hospital, Philadelphia, for five years, and St. Joseph Hospital, Lancaster, Pa., as food service manager for six years. In 2016, Sister Marian William moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement home in Aston, Pa., where she served in prayer and hospitality ministry until her death.
Funeral services will be held April 10 in Assisi House and will be livestreamed. A Christian wake service will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Aston.
In addition to her brother, Sister Marian was predeceased by her parents, William and Anna Fitzgerald. She is survived by 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.