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Sister Mary Theodosia Linus, 98, teacher

Sister Mary Theodosia Linus, 98, an elementary school teacher and librarian who served at Catholic schools here and elsewhere, died Sunday, May 3, of cancer at Holy Child Center in Rosemont.

Sr. Mary Theodosia Linus
Sr. Mary Theodosia LinusRead more

Sister Mary Theodosia Linus, 98, an elementary school teacher and librarian who served at Catholic schools here and elsewhere, died Sunday, May 3, of cancer at Holy Child Center in Rosemont.

She was a sister of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus for 78 years.

Born in Philadelphia, Sister Theodosia was one of five children of James and Margaret Ahern Linus. Her family was large and fun-loving. Sister Theo, as she was called, inherited a bright, happy spirit that she carried with her wherever she went, her family said.

After graduating from West Catholic High School for Girls in 1934, Sister Theodosia entered the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. She professed her final vows in 1942 and became well known by her former religious name, Mother Mary Theodosia.

Sister Theodosia's teaching career spanned three decades in as many states. In Pennsylvania, she taught at Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill; St. Edward's School in Philadelphia; Holy Spirit School in Sharon Hill; and Rosemont School of the Holy Child in Rosemont.

In New York City, she taught at Our Lady of Lourdes School and St. Elizabeth's School. She also taught at St. Veronica's School in Chicago.

In addition, Sister Theodosia served in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia's remedial reading program. She was the librarian at Holy Child Academy in Drexel Hill; St. Leonard's Academy in Philadelphia; and the School of the Holy Child in Rye, N.Y..

In 2000, Sister Theodosia drew her first religious icon under the tutelage of the Rev. Richard Cannuli, professor of fine arts at Villanova University. She continued to take courses at Villanova so she could create a new icon each year. She also participated in several book and Bible study groups.

When she turned 98, Sister Theodosia told her fellow nuns: "My retirement years have been greatly enriched by the icon experience and by all the people I have met along the way."

Sister Theodosia earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees in elementary education from Villanova University in 1947 and 1965. She earned a second master's degree, in library science, from Villanova in 1968. She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Services were Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9.

Donations may be made to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, 1341 Montgomery Ave., Rosemont, Pa. 19010.