Longtime health care minister dies at 93

Franciscan Sister Francis Anne Harper, who devoted most of her ministry to health care, died Oct. 1. She was 93 and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 72 years. Sister Francis Anne (Dolores Genevieve Harper) was born in Baltimore where she was a member of St. Elizabeth Parish in Highlandtown and a graduate of The Catholic High School of Baltimore. She entered the congregation in 1945 and professed her first vows in 1948. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Villanova University and a master’s degree. in health care administration from George Washington University.  

During her nine years in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Sister Francis Anne ministered for two different terms at what is now University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center in Towson. She also served for a time as coordinator of St. Anthony Convent in Baltimore.

Sister Francis Anne ministered for 25 years in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, first as a teacher and then in health care. She also ministered for 21 years in the Diocese of Allentown. She was president and CEO of St. Joseph Hospital in Reading. During her last seven years in the diocese, she ministered at St. Joseph Living Center, which she founded.

 Sister Francis Anne spent 16 years in the Diocese of Harrisburg where she ministered at St. Joseph Hospital in Lancaster as supervisor in various departments, an instructor in nursing service administration, and eventually as assistant administrator.

A private funeral Mass will be offered Oct. 6. 

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