Sister of St. Joseph, Teacher Dies In Tragic Accident, Is Mourned

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Sister Frances Antoinette Engler died in a tragic traffic accident on Thursday, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia announced "with great sadness."

Sister Frances Antoinette Engler entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1959. Her native parish was Presentation Blessed Virgin Mary in Cheltenham and she taught at Archbishop Ryan High School since 1988.

As a Sister of Saint Joseph, Sister Frances Antoinette devoted her life in whole-hearted, compassionate love and service to others. Sister's ministry was in elementary and secondary education in New Jersey and Philadelphia.

"As a teacher of theology, she played an immeasurable role in her students’ faith formation. As moderator of the school’s Community Service Corps, Sister inspired her students to serve others in need as a volunteer," the Sisters of Saint Joseph said in a statement.

The statement added, "Sister Frances Antoinette will be remembered for a life well-lived, her enthusiasm for teaching, and her remarkable sense of humor."

"We hold in prayer all who are impacted by this accident, including all Sisters of Saint Joseph, the sisters of her local community, Christ the King Convent in Philadelphia, the driver involved, the Archbishop Ryan High School community, and all those who knew and loved Sister Frances."

The Archbishop Ryan High School Facebook page posted a message that read, "We are heartbroken to share the news that Sister Frances Antoinette died suddenly today in a tragic accident. She was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to God, the community, and to the students of Archbishop Ryan."

"She taught theology in the classroom and she truly lived by it outside of the classroom. Upon learning of her passing, several folks reached out and credited her for teaching them the value and power of volunteerism."

The post had garnered more than 500 comments on Friday from people sharing how the Sister had influenced their lives.

The Sisters of Saint Joseph Chestnut Hill — Philadelphia’s mission is "to live and work so that all people may be united with God and with one another."

The Congregation includes approximately 620 women religious who minister in 12 states and the District of Columbia. They trace their roots from LePuy, France (1650), arriving in Philadelphia in 1847. "Our response to the needs of the people of God is characterized by a cordial and hospitable spirit, a willing heart ready for any good work, a quiet sense of hiddenness, coupled with a desire to serve to the best of our ability," the Congregation states.

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia's sponsored works include: Academy Village; Bethlehem Village; Cecilian Village; Chestnut Hill College; Mount Saint Joseph Academy; Norwood-Fontbonne Academy; Saint Joseph by-the-Sea Retreat House; Saint Joseph Villa; Saint Joseph Village; SSJ Neighborhood Center; and the SSJ Welcome Center.

Make sure you know what's happening in your town. Sign up to get Patch emails and don't miss any local news: https://patch.com/subscribe.