Sister Anne DeConcini, 75, an educator and friend of the poor

Sister Anne DeConcini, 75, of Merion Station, an educator and friend of the poor, died Tuesday, March 21, of heart failure at Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood.

Sister Anne joined the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1960 and professed her final vows in 1968.

Born to Edwin and Anne F. DeConcini at Misericordia Hospital in 1942, Sister Anne was educated at St. Barnabas School and graduated with highest honors in 1960 from West Catholic Girls High School.

A lifelong learner, she completed a bachelor's degree in mathematics at Gwynedd Mercy College and two master's degrees, one in theology from Regina Mundi Pontifical Institute in Rome, and another in mathematics from Manhattanville College in Purchase, N.Y.

"She was very bright," said her religious colleague, Sister Georgia Greene.

At various times, Sister Anne taught math at the grade schools Annunciation B.V.M. School in Havertown, St. Malachy School in Philadelphia, St. Michael the Archangel in Levittown; at Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia; and at Gwynedd Mercy University.

Though quiet and reserved, she was at her best acting on behalf of the poor who came in need of food, clothing, and financial support to Catholic parishes in Philadelphia and its suburbs. One was Our Lady of Holy Souls Parish in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia.

"She was helping them to access resources," said Sister Georgia. "She was very practical. She was helping them find rent money."

In the past seven years, Sister Anne enjoyed her role as coordinator of the McAuley Convent Prayer Guild, which prays for the sick or deceased at the request of those who purchase Mass cards. Since 2010, she had conducted twice-weekly prayer sessions in West Philadelphia.

Sister Anne also gave engaging talks on theology to members of her religious order each Thursday at McAuley Convent.

She is survived by siblings Barbara and Mary, a brother-in-law, and nephews.

A viewing starting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 27, will be followed by a 7 p.m. Liturgy of Christian Burial at the Convent of Mercy Chapel, 515 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, Pa. 19066.  Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, Mid-Atlantic Community, at the address above.