Sr. Mary Jean Ritti, RSM

Sister Mary Jean Ritti, RSM, age 97, a member of the Mid-Atlantic Community of the Sisters of Mercy died on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at McAuley Convent in Merion, Pennsylvania. Sister attended Saint Denis School, West Catholic High School, Villanova and Notre Dame Universities.Sister Mary Jean entered the community in 1939 and professed her vows in 1942. Her first four years as a professed religious were spent at Misericordia Hospital, in Philadelphia, PA, as secretary in the lab. Sister Jean’s teaching ministry began at the Academy of the Sisters of Mercy on Broad Street in Phila.and continued once the Academy moved to Gwynedd Valley, PA. During her thirty five years at Gwynedd Sister ministered both at the Gwynedd Mercy Academy and Gwynedd Mercy College. At the Academy she taught Physics, Math, and Latin and was Prefect of Studies and Treasurer, and at the College she served as Math teacher and Registrar. From Gwynedd Sister moved to Merion and became the Principal and Math teacher at Merion Mercy Academy. It was after her ministry at MMA that Sister served on the Leadership Team. Growing up Sister was a tomboy and joined in most of her brother’s sports activities. She never missed a hockey or basketball game at the schools. She was a fervent follower of the Phillies and the Eagles and was a sportswoman to her fingertips. She could give you the ERA of any pitcher. She was an ardent Notre Dame fan. However, sports were not her only interests. Sister played the flute, enjoyed playing tennis in her younger days, and attended many of the summer Elder hostels. The Mothers’ Home in Darby could never begin to count the number of baby blankets she crocheted for young mothers. Sister Mary Jean will be remembered in so many ways. She had a winning smile, her kindness and gentleness radiated from her. She had a wonderful ability to laugh with her students when they pulled pranks. She was a joy to know and love. Sister enjoyed participating at liturgy each day, and enjoyed spending quiet time in front of the Blessed Sacrament and praying the Rosary. In addition to her Religious Community Sister is survived by her brother Edward Ritti Sr., nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand- nephews. Sister is pre-deceased by her sisters Marie Schweitzer and Theresa.Relatives and friends are invited to a Viewing Saturday, Nov. 4, 10-11am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am in the Chapel at the Convent of Mercy, 515 Montgomery Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066. Burial will be in the Community Cemetery. Contributions in Sister’s memory may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy Mid-Atlantic Community at the above address.