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 Sister John Francis Schilling, St. Frances Academy’s biggest fan and transformative leader, dies at 81 Sister Mary Katharine Brent dies at 106 Mike Ditka dies at 86: A life of football, fire, and Catholic faith Bishop Dewane recalled for his ‘remarkable legacy of faithful service’ to Church Deacon Carlos Morales, who served Church in Puerto Rico and Maryland, dies at 82 Brother Vincent Joseph Vivian, former director at Shrine of St. Anthony, dies Copyright © 2026 Catholic Review Media Print
Sister John Francis Schilling, St. Frances Academy’s biggest fan and transformative leader, dies at 81
