Sister Marie Cimino, OSF, (formerly Sister Gerard), died on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Assisi House in Aston, Pennsylvania. Sister Marie’s life was marked by 74 years of dedication to her religious vocation, her community, and her ministry in education and parish service. She was 93.
A Life of Devotion and Service
Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 16, 1931, Sister Marie entered the Franciscan Sisters of Ringwood in 1949, a congregation that later merged with the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. She professed her first vows in 1951 and embraced a life devoted to the service of God and her community. Throughout her 74 years as a professed member of the congregation, Sister Marie lived a life full of purpose, compassion, and commitment, touching the lives of countless individuals through her ministry.
Sister Marie’s early years in ministry were dedicated to education, where she spent over 50 years teaching and nurturing young minds. Her ministry began in the Diocese of Paterson, where she served in several schools, including Mt. Carmel School in Passaic, St. Catherine of Bologna School in Ringwood, and St. Francis School in Haskell. For 40 years, Sister Marie was an integral part of the community at Our Lady Queen of Peace School in Hewitt, New Jersey, where she taught, later served as a teacher’s aide, and engaged in parish ministry. Her work at the school earned her the prestigious Vivere Christus Est Award, a recognition of her outstanding contributions to both the school and parish.
In addition to her teaching, Sister Marie’s ministry extended beyond the classroom. She provided pastoral care, volunteered in various roles, and dedicated herself to serving the needs of her community. Her commitment to her faith and her Franciscan values was evident in every aspect of her life. After many years of service to the schools and parishes in the Diocese of Paterson, Sister Marie spent a year caring for her elder sisters at Mount St. Joseph Convent in Ringwood.
A Broader Ministry Across Dioceses
Sister Marie also spent significant time in other areas of New Jersey and New York. During her eight years in the Diocese of Brooklyn, she taught at Holy Family School, and in the Archdiocese of Newark, she taught at St. Ann School in Hoboken for six years. Throughout these years, Sister Marie’s presence was marked by a deep commitment to the spiritual and academic growth of her students and the wider parish community.
In 2023, as Sister Marie approached the later years of her life, she moved to Assisi House, the congregation’s retirement home in Aston, Pennsylvania. There, she continued her ministry, serving in prayer and hospitality until her passing. Her dedication to prayer, hospitality, and service remained strong, even in her retirement, as she offered her life in support of the Franciscan community and the congregation’s mission.
A Legacy of Faith and Service
Sister Marie’s legacy is one of selflessness, love, and dedication to the teachings of St. Francis. She inspired all who knew her with her deep faith and her tireless service to others. Sister Marie leaves behind a legacy of compassion and commitment to education and parish life that will continue to impact the lives of many.
Sister Marie is survived by her many nieces and nephews, as well as her Franciscan family, with whom she shared a deep bond of love and service. Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of her family, colleagues, and the many students and parishioners whose lives she touched over the years.
Final Services and Tribute
All services for Sister Marie will be held at Assisi House on Friday, January 24, 2025, and will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. The day will begin with a Christian Wake Service at 9:30 A.M., followed by a viewing. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 A.M., with burial to follow in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, where Sister Marie will be laid to rest in the company of her fellow Franciscans.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Sister Marie’s name to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014, to support the ongoing mission of the Sisters of St. Francis and their work in service to others.
Sister Marie Cimino’s life was a testament to the power of faith, education, and service. While she will be deeply missed, her legacy will live on in the hearts of all those she touched. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love and grace of God.
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