A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated April 12 in Assisi House, Aston, Pa., for Franciscan Sister Clare Naughton who died April 7. She was 87.

Born in Philadelphia, Sister Clare (Mary Rita Naughton) entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1943 and professed her vows in 1946. She earned a license as a registered nurse from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, Trenton, in 1949. She then went on to pursue a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Villanova University, Villanova, Pa., in 1954, and a master’s degree in hospital administration from St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo., in 1962. She ministered in healthcare as a nurse, supervisor and administrator. In addition to her studies in St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, Sister Clare continued serving in St. Francis Medical Center until 1956.

Sister Clare also served in medical facilities in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 49 years and for six years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She was a member of the Pennsylvania Conference of Catholic Hospitals, serving as a member of the board of directors and as past president. In 1986, she received the Villanova University Alumni Award and was also the recipient of the American Red Cross Citizen of the Year Award for the Philadelphia Chapter.

Sister Clare is survived by a sister and her Franciscan family. Burial was in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Aston, Pa. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 South Convent Road., Aston, Pa., 19014.