Sister Maria Jose Archer, MM

Born: April 13, 1915
Entered: June 10, 1935
Died: February 25, 1938

Sister Maria Jose Archer died on February 25, 1938. She was 22 years old and a Maryknoll Sister for 2 years.

Marcella (Maria Jose) Archer was born on April 13, 1915 in San Francisco, California to Mary Ellen (Manning) and Edward James Archer. She was the eldest of three sisters. Marcella attended Noe Valley Grammar School and Noe Valley Junior High. She continued her education for three years, graduating from Mission High School. Marcella became interested in Maryknoll by reading issues of The Field Afar. When asked why she was drawn to the foreign mission, sister replied, “Because I want to help make God known to those who know Him not.” She entered Maryknoll on June 10, 1935 and took the name Maria Jose.

Sister was very bright and witty. She became very ill in November of 1937 and was transferred to Monrovia, California. During her illness, Sister’s sweet simplicity and patience characterized her. Maria Jose’s illness would not disipate and on February 25, 1938 she went to be with God.