“Jesus went up the mountain, and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him. He began to teach them saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit...” Matthew’s gospel is a teaching gospel, so it not surprising that Frances selected Jesus’ teaching of the beatitudes in Matthew as the reading for the liturgy in celebration of her life. She also selected hymns and readings that reflected the faith, hope and joy that she found in her relationship with the “God of loveliness” and “Lord of love” who was her guide and guardian on the journey through the 67 years of her life.

I was blessed to walk with her as friend for 38 years of this life journey. Frances and I became friends when we were first stationed together in 1968 in Gloucester, New Jersey. She had been a teacher in Toms River and Camden, New Jersey before coming to Gloucester, where she would be able to work on her Doctorate in Reading at Temple University in Philadelphia, while teaching. She loved teaching children and was a master teacher, who understood the awesome role a teacher could have in the formation of children. As a relatively new teacher myself at that time, I appreciated her insights and suggestions. When she completed her studies and went to direct the Reading Center in Newburgh and teach at Mount Saint Mary College, she became a teacher of teachers as well as of children. She had little patience with education majors who did not have a sense of teaching as a sacred responsibility and she made great demands on those who did, so that they would be the best teachers possible. She was committed to the development of the education division at the college during 25 years of significant growth and change. She embraced the Dominican charism of study, was an avid reader and enjoyed the opportunities for learning that travel afforded. Her sabbatical at Boston College in 1986-87 was a treasured opportunity for educational updating, personal growth, a widening network of friends, and travel to China.

During all these years of service at Mount Saint Mary College, she was always available to serve on congregational committees, facilitate meetings, and take an active role in Assemblies, Chapters, and Community Chapter meetings. Her love for the congregation and her desire that it be all that it was capable of being made her a forthright voice on various issues over the years. Frances took a leave from the college from 1991-1995, so that she could serve as the treasurer for the Newburgh Dominican congregation during the time of planning for the formation of the Dominican Sisters of Hope. She finally resigned from the college when elected to the Dominican Sisters of Hope leadership team as First Councilor in 2003.

Frances understood the value of mentors in one’s life. As a young religious, she had two significant mentors. Sister Mary Consilia O’Brien, a gifted educator herself, had recognized Frances’ talents and had encouraged her to pursue the studies that would enable Frances to take over the Reading Center and become an educator of future teachers. Frances also had a great affection for Mother Christina Marie, who was her superior when Frances was stationed at St. Joseph’s School in Toms River. She admired Mother for her kindness and generosity and kept Mother Christina Marie’s picture prominently displayed in her office or room throughout her life. These experiences foreshadowed her ability to be a mentor to others – students, colleagues, community members and friends. She was ever the teacher, even teaching those of us who lived with her – and had limited cooking ability – how to prepare and present an appetizing meal!

Frances was committed to whatever she was involved in. In addition to the college and the congregation, she served on boards for Mariandale Center, Occupations, Inc. and Head Start. She often served as a consultant and facilitated meetings for other religious institutes, organizations and sponsored ministries. Her commitment to service did not diminish her ability to be a devoted daughter, sister, aunt and great-aunt to her family members and a loyal and supportive friend to me and others in her life. At a time when it is a dying art, letter writing was a part of her ministry. Frances had a knack for showing support or gratitude to family, friends and community through a note or card. She knew the importance of recognizing an achievement, consoling and encouraging someone who had experienced a setback or loss, and showing gratitude to those who gifted her in any way.

Frances valued living in community, attending liturgy, sharing reflections on Scripture as part of Morning and Evening Prayer and praying the rosary. She had always prayed the Memorare when leaving on a trip and this became a frequent prayer during the final months of her illness. The beatitudes guided her spiritual growth and she could say with the psalmist, “I raise my eyes toward the mountains. From where will my help come? My help will come from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” This opening verse of Psalm 121 is an apt image for the journey Frances had been on throughout her life. May she now enjoy the fullness of life with God in whom she placed her trust and may she continue to be present in spirit with us who are still on this journey of Hope.

Lorelle Elcock, OP

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