Comboni Missionary Sister Andre Rothschild, who ministered at St. Matthew, dies at 79 January 6, 2026By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Obituaries A funeral Mass for Comboni Missionary Sister Andre Rothschild will be offered Jan. 24, 11 a.m., at St. Matthew in Northwood. Sister Andre, who ministered at St. Matthew for two decades, died Dec. 26. She was 79. Sister Andre was born Oct. 24, 1946, in Pensacola, Fla., and made her first vows June 21, 1967. From 1967 to 1982 she served in Richmond, Va., at Holy Angels Day Care and in a nursing home in Lansdale, Pa. From 1982 to 2006 she served in Kenya as teacher, vocation promoter and provincial superior, dedicating her life to the evangelizing mission of the Church in the spirit of St. Daniel Comboni. From 2006 until her death, she ministered at St. Matthew, where she directed the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), bringing adults into the Catholic faith. She also worked with the seniors in the “The Friendship Club” and distributed Communion to the sick. She accompanied the pastor for Mass at Woodbourne Woods, a senior living facility, and Franklin Woods Nursing Home. She held Communion services at the facilities as well when a priest was unavailable, according to Father Joe Muth, former longtime pastor. Sister Andre also supported Immigration Outreach Service Center, which was based at St. Matthew, as well as LEAD (LGBTQ+ Educating and Affirming Diversity), a gay and lesbian outreach ministry. “She was a part of the welcoming spirit of St. Matthew where all kinds of people could find a church-home,” Father Muth said. “She connected well with the immigrant community because of her years of service in Kenya. She was creative, loved to cook, and lots of fun. She was prayerful and faithful to her Comboni Missionary way of life.” Read More Obituaries Father Norvel, first Black superior general for U.S. men’s religious community, dies at 90 Deacon Stretmater, father of 11 who ministered at Howard County parish, dies at 101 Beloved Notre Dame coaching legend Lou Holtz remembered for ‘building men, not just players’ Prolific catechist Paul Thigpen, who mused on extraterrestrial life, dies at 71 Jesuit Father Anthony Berret, distinguished English professor, dies at 86 Pallottine Father Peter Sticco, who served at St. Jude Shrine, dies at 84 Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media Print
