In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Ann Francis, CSC
(Mary Virginia Peach)
Birth: January 8, 1910
Profession: August 15, 1930
Death: March 19, 2007

Those of us who had the pleasure of knowing Sister Ann Francis would agree that she was a real “peach.”

Born in Granite, Maryland, Mary Virginia Peach grew up in a very loving family of six brothers and sisters. Her mother was a teacher and her father was the superintendent of a quarry.

After attending public elementary school, she and her older sister, Anna Leonore, went to St. Catherine’s Normal School in Baltimore where they became acquainted with the Sisters of the Holy Cross. After graduation in 1927, they entered the congregation together. Mary Virginia received the name Ann Francis, and her sister was given the name Angelita. They were members of the “Famous 51” band.

Sister Ann Francis was primarily an educator, and for most of her life she taught French in schools all over the East. She also served as a high school principal and could recount many amusing stories dealing with the antics of high school girls. For many years she taught night classes at Dunbarton College in Washington, D.C., in a program designed for young working-class women who wanted to earn a college degree. Ann always looked after the interests of her students and reached out in many ways to their families. She was ever attentive to the needs of others.

Sister Ann Francis came to Saint Mary’s in 1987, where she continued her ministry of love. She served as a sacristan and did many little jobs for the sisters in the convent and elsewhere.

Ann’s whole life was one of selfless service, whether it was to her French students or anyone whose life she touched. She had a quiet generosity and did much good behind the scenes. Many at Saint Mary’s were gifted with her famous candy; she gave it to almost everyone she knew—and to many whom she didn’t! It even made its way to our sisters in other countries! Her gift boxes of chocolates were perfectly prepared works of art and delicious. Although her arthritis made it difficult to walk and it was a good distance from the church and other activities, she insisted on living in Augusta Convent so that she could be near a kitchen. The sisters looked forward to the treats she would bring them, and she even made some sugar-free candy for those whose health required this special attention.

When Sister Angelita died in 1985, Ann continued her sister’s correspondence along with her own. Her frequent letters made a lot of people happy, and she rarely missed a special occasion. She wrote to many of her former students and to Holy Cross sisters in other countries, especially Africa, to offer them support, encouragement and prayers. Ann was a very kind and thoughtful person. Someone described her as “endlessly caring.”

Finally, there is no doubt that she truly loved the people in her family, and they were devoted to her. Examples of this devotion were the many visits Georgia and her children made to South Bend and the weekly flowers sent by one of her nephews. Her eyes sparkled when she talked about her family.

Even in her last days, Ann was gracious. She always had a smile and rarely complained about her suffering.

On the beautiful Feast of St. Joseph, March 19, Sister Ann Francis went home to God, not with a box of delicious chocolates, but with the sweet treasure of her generous heart.

Written by Sister Margaret Mary  Lavonis, 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.