SISTER M. FRANCELLA HUGHES AT REST ON JUNE 6, 2005
Our dear Sister Franclla was born on May 10, 1914, in Eddyville, Iowa, to James and Minnie Hughes and was baptized Neva Margaret on August 9. She grew up in a family of ten children, having six sisters and three brothers. Because of her strong devotion to the Sacred Heart, she entered the Postulancy on June 1, 1943, at the age of 29, and was received into the Novitiate on the Feast of St. Joseph, 1944, being given the name, Sister Francella. She professed her life commitment of final vows on March 19, 1949. After Profession, Sister went to Sacred Heart School in Springfield, Il, where she taught third grade students for one yer. Following that in 1947, she went to St. Mary of the Lake Seminary, Mundelein, Il. There she ministered in the kitchen and housekeeping department for the next 22 years. From 1969-1976 she was the sacristan at Stritch Retreat House in Mundelein, Il, lovingly caring for the altars and sacred vessels. Her great reverence for the things used in the liturgy truly showed that she had the heart of St. Francis. The next two years she did the sacristy and housekeeping work at St. Mary of the Lake Villa in Mendelein, Il, and then in 1978 she returned to Stritch Retreat House to do this same ministry that she so loved for the next 16 years. After graciously serving the seminarians and priest of the Chicago Archdiocese at Mundelein for forty-seven years, Sister Francella came to St. Frances Woods in 1994 where she cared for the dining room in her semi-retirement years. In all of her ministries, Sister had a quiet and unassuming manner, marked by a loyal spirit of dedication. Her friendly smile, sense of humor and prayerful spirit were always most evident. On the occasion of her 60th Jubilee in 2003, Sister noted how grateful she was for the support of her family through the many years of her religious life. She always looked forward to visits from her sisters Agnes and Ester, her nieces, and joining in those big family reunions. During her years of service, Sister also had many outside interests. She enjoyed caring for the flowers around the Stations at the Retreat House and doing the mending for the priests while they were on retreat. Some of her time was spent being a driver for the Sisters. Because of her lovely singing voice, she often led the hymns for Mass and for Morning and Evening Prayer. Sister loved playing cards and watching mystery movies, and when the other Sisters would yell out at a scary part, she just looked at them and giggled. Sister had an excellent memory. She never forgot a priest she served. She knew the names of family member to the fourth generation, and when playing cards, she always remembered the cards that had been played.
Sister Francella's health continued to fail until the Master called her Home on June 6th to rest with Him. We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and relatives and to her many devoted friends. Our Community will miss her greatly, but we are happy to know she is now at peace in Heavenly Home.