Sister of Mercy Edith Francione died Jan. 31, 2018. She was 92 years old.
Sister Francione entered the congregation in 1947 and professed her perpetual vows in 1953. She earned an associate’s degree from Catherine McAuley College, Rochester, and a bachelor’s degree in French from Annhurst College, Woodstock, Conn.
She taught French and music at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Rochester; Our Lady of Mercy High School, Brighton; Cardinal Mooney High School, Greece; St. Louis, Pittsford; St. Thomas the Apostle, Irondequoit; St. Vincent, Churchville; St. Cecilia, Elmira; and St. Mary, Corning. She also taught religious education at St. Philip Neri Church in Rochester and St. Christopher Church in North Chili.
Following her teaching career, Sister Francione ministered to the terminally ill at Genesee Memorial Hospital in Batavia. In 1989, she wrote the book Why Not Me Lord? The Mystery of Life and Dying with Dignity, which was based on actual dialogues with terminally ill patients and conversations with the dying.
Sister Francione is survived by her sister, Sister of Mercy Mary Faith Francione; sisters-in-law, Florence Francione and Gerry Francione; nieces and a nephew; and her sisters in the congregation. Her funeral liturgy was celebrated at the Mercy Center chapel in Brighton Feb. 3, 2018, with burial in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1437 Blossom Road, Rochester, NY 14610.
