Obituary of Marianne C. Whelan

Marianne C. Whelan (August 23, 1938 – October 2, 2019)

Marianne died peacefully on the Feast of the Guardian Angels with family and friends at her bedside. She was 81 years old. 

Marianne was the daughter of the late Mary H. (Holsworth) Whelan and Thomas J. Whelan, sister of Thomas J. Whelan Jr. (Casey), Suzanne Nascimbeni (Frank), Patricia Whelan (Charlie) and the late Geraldine Allerton. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.  

She grew up and lived in Lafayette Hill, PA.  She received her early education at Saint Matthew School, Conshohocken, and Cecilian Academy, Mount Airy.  After entering the Congregation of Saint Joseph, she received a graduate degree in Latin from Chestnut Hill College and a graduate degree in administration from Villanova University.  Marianne was a lifelong educator first as a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph for thirty-five years and then as an Assistant Superintendent of Schools in the Diocese of Allentown for twenty five years.  At the time of her retirement, she had completed forty-six years of service in the educational field.  

As an educator she encouraged, enlightened and challenged many young minds and hearts to become and live their best.  She offered outstanding leadership, assistance and guidance to tens of thousands of students, teachers, catechists and administrators in Catholic parishes and schools of Allentown, Baltimore and Philadelphia.  In retirement she continued to dedicate herself to the education of children volunteering in a number of roles in the Allentown and Philadelphia areas. She brought the same energy and encouragement to her personal life as she enjoyed cooking, offering hospitality, playing cards, board games, a good sale and especially spending time with family and friends as the host of the party or as a welcomed guest.  For all who knew and loved her, we have lost a loyal and good friend but we have gained a sure advocate.    

Marianne, May the Angels lead you into paradise; may the martyrs greet you at your arrival and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem.

May the choir of Angels greet you and like Lazarus, who once was poor, may you have eternal rest.                                         (In Paradisum)

Family and friends are invited to pray and celebrate her life with a memorial Mass on Friday, October 11, 2019, at 1100AM at Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, Pa.19444.

Visitation will take place from 10:00 -11:00AM at the church.

Burial Private

Memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia.                                             100 South Broad Street, Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA 19110                   215.670.8411                                                 https://www.csfphiladelphia.org/ 

Expressions of sympathy can be directed to:

Mrs. Suzanne Nascimbeni                                                               3759 Five Friars Road           Salisbury, MD 21804 

or

Ms. Patricia Whelan                             22 Cranberry Ave.                                 Mashpee, MA 02649