Remembering the recently deceased in the Archdiocese of Seattle

Sister Donna Fread, OSFTACOMAFranciscan Sister Donna Fread (formerly Sister Catherine Bernadette) died Sept. 6. She was 73.She was born in Tacoma, attended St. Ann Parish and graduated from St. Leo High School. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in 1959 and professed her first vows in 1962.She earned a B.A. in history from Marylhurst University in Portland in 1968, an M.A. in education from Gonzaga University in Spokane in 1973, an M.A. in religious studies from Gonzaga in 1984, and J.D. and Doctor of Laws degrees from Seattle University in 2004. She ministered primarily in education, as both a teacher and a counselor, as well as in social services and health care.She ministered for 23 years in the Archdiocese of Seattle, as a teacher and counselor at St. Leo High School and as a counselor at Bellarmine Preparatory School. While in Washington, she was vice president of mission and ministry for Franciscan Health System Northwest, a court appointed special advocate for children and an immigration court observer.She is survived by her sisters, Joan Fread and Kathleen Woldrich; and nieces and nephews.A memorial Mass was celebrated Sept. 17 at St. Ann Convent in Tacoma. A service celebrating her life will be held Nov. 22 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma.