In Loving Memory...

Sister Frances Smith 
(Sister Anita Maria), CSC
Birth: March 15, 1915
Profession: February 2, 1939
Death: March 7, 2004

As we gather to honor Sister Frances Smith’s life, we do so as Sisters of the Holy Cross of which she was such a beautiful example. I’ve known and admired Sister Frances since novitiate days – 68 years ago. Who could describe or explain Sister Frances? She was and is a remarkable person with many gifts and best of all she used them so well, always thoroughly and with feeling.

I thought and wondered and discussed with others her greatest gift. We decided it to be the gift of service. The Lord said he came to serve and not to be served. Frances followed this pattern with great skill and much love. She had an uncanny way of perceiving the needs of others and meeting them in a remarkable and unobtrusive ways. She was a wonderful daughter to her parents Albert and Bernadette Moynihan Smith, a loving aunt to Joan, Betty, Peggy and Susie, and also a great aunt and great-great aunt both literally and figuratively to the succeeding generations. To her mother she was a particular source of joy, caring for her so lovingly for so many years.

Frances and her sisters grew up in Washington and all three graduated from Saint Cecilia’s Academy on Capitol Hill. All three maintained close friendships with their classmates and were actively involved in many alumnae activities.

Frances enjoyed her many years of teaching and spoke frequently of her time at Saint Paul’s School on Columbus Circle, New York City. From there, she commuted to Fordham by subway and eventually she received her bachelor of arts degree. In 1971, Frances received her master of arts degree from Catholic University. She served in schools and parish offices mainly in Metropolitan Washington, including the District of Columbia, Chevy Chase, Riverdale, Garrett Park, Alexandria and Kensington.

Frances had a great capacity for sharing in the lives of others and brought much joy to St. Mary’s in the summer where for seventeen summers she and I spend three weeks visiting the sisters in the convent. We were such fixtures during July at St. Mary’s that when Mother Olivette saw us on campus one year she said, “Let the games begin!” Another summer activity, which we enjoyed so much, was the Holy Cross History conference. For many years, we followed the conference all over the United States and made friends among the priests and brothers.

Moving to Saint Angela’s the summer of 2002 gave Frances great joy and she proudly introduced family and friends to the wonderful sisters there. This was truly her home.

All of us, who love Frances, celebrate her life and cherish our memories of her. She was always a Washingtonian and became known in many places, including Saint Mary’s, as “Frances of Washington.” Being the active, energetic person she was and is, we are sure she’ll follow us with her love and prayers.

Written by Sister Miriam, CSC

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund, Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.