ASTON, Pa. —Sister Elena Goulding, who ministered in the Diocese of Wilmington for 12 years, died in Assisi House on April 7. She was 81 and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for 63 years.
Sister Elena (Bridget Philomena Goulding) was born in Knockanure, County Kerry, Ireland. She entered the congregation in 1949 and professed her first vows in 1952. She ministered primarily in education, prison ministry, and eldercare.
In the Diocese of Wilmington, she taught at St. Paul and St. Anthony of Padua schools. In her last year at St. Paul’s, she also served as principal.
Sister Elena also ministered in the archdioceses of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., Spartanburg, S.C., and in Ireland.
Services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, Aston on Tuesday, April 14. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 a.m., followed by a viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Donations in her name can be made to the Sisters of St. Francis Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
