Remembering My Sister Mary Ann On What Would Have Been Her 81st Birthday

For some reason I am thinking about my sister Mary Ann who passed away in 2015. December 21 is her birthday, first day of winter, winter solstice and always easy to remember because it's just before Christmas.

With Mom and Dad 1957

We were more than 8 years apart in age so there was a fairly large gap in our childhood experiences. And she left home to join the Sisters of Mercy when I was just 12. Anyhow a few photos in tribute to her. 

With Mom back in the Middle Ages of Nuns

(left side) With the "Modern" Nuns at a Protest March

One of her Watercolors

In New Orleans with Leon and Me 1991

 

 

Having a Little Bubbly at Our Wedding 2014

 

Obit: Sister Mary Ann DeFrancesco

Sister Mary Ann DeFrancesco, (Dominica Marie) of the Sisters of Mercy died unexpectedly on Monday,May 11, 2015 at her home in Madison. 

 

Born in Hartford on December 21, 1939 of the late Dominic and Theresa (Daversa) DeFrancesco and raised in New Britain, Sister “Dee” entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 2, 1957 and professed her vows on June 26, 1960. 

 

After receiving her B.A. degree from Diocesan Teachers College, Madison, Sister taught for 16 years in several parish elementary schools throughout the Hartford Archdiocese prior to transitioning into the ministries of Retreat and Spiritual Direction. She did advance studies at Holy Name College , CA and received Master’s degrees in both English and Pastoral ministry from St. Joseph College now University of St. Joseph in preparation. During her last two decades in ministry Sister Dee became Spiritual Director at various centers: Blessing Place in Louisiana, Francis House of Prayer New Jersey, Emmaus Spiritual Life Center, Uncasville, and Mercy Center at Madison.Before retirement she served as Pastoral Associate at Church of the Holy Family, Hebron and ministered tirelessly in Pastoral Care for Hospice in Southeastern CT. 

 

In retirement, Sister Dee volunteered countless hours of ministry to her Sisters in residence at St. Mary Home.Known to all as “Dee”, Sister was of that same informal, welcoming, comfortable and comforting disposition. Everyone who crossed Dee’s path was greeted with kind and encouraging words, giving of herself tirelessly in service to others. Love of Mercy Center and its environs, naturally drew Dee outdoors, to work the garden soil, to harvest its yield, to contemplate, to read and to practice her special gift, painting with acrylics. She abounded in creative talent, was attentive to both family and friends, planning funadventures, joyful ways to keep them close. 

 

Universally esteemed and loved by her sisters in Community Dee will be sorely missed. Sister Mary Ann is survived by her brothers Frank and husband Leon O’Hart, Michael and his wife Claire De Francesco , nephew Joseph, niece Andrea, several close cousins, and her community of the Sisters of Mercy especially Sisters Mary Daly and Ann McGovern with whom she lived.A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday at 6:00p.m., St. Mary Home, 2021 Albany Ave. West Hartford.

 

From Sister Agnes:

Sister "Dee" as she is affectionately known to me, was one of my best friends.  We lived and worked together at the Emmaus Spitirual Life Center for nine years.  I cherish the memories of her with great affection.  We cried together, laughed together, prayed together, and played together.  Very different in personalities,  Dee was my social planner.  Being a stickler for work, I could count on her to plan an outing or two so we could play.  

Dee loved her sisters and her congregation and was very loyal to them.  Always interested in the various programs of the Sisters of Mercy, she shared those with me with great enthusiasm.  She was close to her family and cared very much about their well-being and happiness.  Belonging to a French Congregation, ____, I shared our story with her as well.  She liked that I could speak French and always asked me how to say such and such in French.  She was a joy to live with, and I will miss her very much.  She left us too soon, but I know that she will watch over us from above.

Sister Agnes