Elizabeth Ann Seton

Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton (August 28, 1774 - January 2 1821) was born an Episcopalian but changed her confession to Roman Catholic. She founded the first religious congregation of women of the United States, The Sisters of Charity of Saint Joseph's (at Emmitsburg in the Archdiocese of Baltimore).

On September 14, 1975 she became the first American to be canonized.

Note

There appears to be some inconsistency in Vatican sources as to the spelling of her name (Elizabeth vs. Elisabeth).

See also

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/homilies/1975/documents/hf_p-vi_hom_19750914_en.html