Born: Helen Louise Lodge, December 21, 1929, in Atlantic City, NJ
Died: May 22, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY
Daughter of: Richard and Louise Kloss Lodge, Pleasantville, NJ
Sr. Helen Lodge joined the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on September 3, 1951, was received into the Congregation on August 15,1952 and professed her final vows on August 16, 1959. She joyfully lived the mission and charism of the Franciscan Sisters for over 73 years.
Helen attended St. Peter’s Grammar School, Pleasantville, NJ and graduated from Holy Spirit High School in Atlantic City, NJ in 1941. Following graduation, Helen attended the New Jersey College of Commerce. Upon entering the Congregation, she attended St. Elizabeth Teacher’s College, graduating from St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and later a Master of Arts Degree in Theology.
Sr. Helen spent her first 15 years of ministry teaching in Congregational Schools in New York and New Jersey. Following her time as a teacher, Sr. Helen entered the Cloister (Franciscan Ritiro) where she lived a life of prayer and contemplation.
She served as second-year Novice Mistress and Junior Professed Mistress in Allegany, NY; Assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of New York, NY; and later for the Diocese of Trenton, NJ. Sr. Helen served as Regional II Minister, General Counselor and Director of the Associate Program for the Congregation.
Sr. Helen served as Pastoral Associate for St. Paul’s Church, Highland Park, NJ; St. Peter’s Church, Our Lady Star of the Sea, St. Bernadette’s and St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parishes in Pleasantville, NJ until her retirement in 2016. In 2016, she was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.
She is predeceased by her parents, Richard and Louise Kloss Lodge and a brother, Rev. Richard Lodge.
She is survived by a cousin, Craig Daly of New Hope, PA.
A wake service is scheduled for Thursday, May 30th at 4:00pm in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 31st at 10:00am in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.
