Franciscan Sister Francis Anita Rizzo, who served in Baltimore for 18 years, dies at 95

A funeral Mass will be offered June 12 in Aston, Pa., for Sister Francis Anita Rizzo, a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 75 years. Sister Francis Anita, who ministered in the Archdiocese of Baltimore for more than 18 years, died at Assisi House June 10. She was 95.

Sister Francis Anita taught at St. Clement School in Rosedale (1950-52), Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Essex (1952-55 and 1965-67) and Immaculate Conception School in Towson (1955-58 and 1961-64). She also served in pastoral ministry at what is now University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson (1968-69) and St. Stephen’s Parish in Bradshaw (1972-76).

Sister Francis Anita was born in Philadelphia, where she was a member of Our Lady of the Rosary Parish and a graduate of West Catholic High School. She entered the congregation in 1947 and professed her first vows in 1950. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Mount St. Mary’s College (N.Y.). Her ministries focused primarily on education and congregational service.

Elsewhere, she served in Delaware, South Carolina and Pennsylvania.

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