It is with deep sadness that the Sisters of St. Joseph announce the death of Sister Frances McIsaac (Sister M. St. Allan) on January 2, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse, North Bay, Ontario.
Sister Frances was born and raised in Creighton Mine, Ontario, (Greater Sudbury). It was here that she attended elementary school, and then went to Marymount College where she graduated from Grade 12. She and her family were active members in their home parish, St. Michael’s Church, Creighton Mine, Ontario.
Frances entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Sault Ste. Marie, on September 2, 1961. Following completion of Grade 13, Frances attended North Bay Teachers’ College. Teaching assignments brought her to Our Lady of Sorrows School, Sturgeon Falls and St. Hubert’s, Sudbury.
Sister Frances experienced a number of career paths. Following studies in the laboratory technology program, she graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Lakehead University in 1978, and was named Director of the Laboratory at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Elliot Lake 1978 -1981. In 1981, Frances enrolled in a Supervised Pastoral Education Program in Toronto. Upon completion, she served in the Pastoral Care Programs at hospitals in Thunder Bay and North Bay. In 1985, Frances returned to Toronto, where she completed a Master’s Degree in Theology at Regis College and accepted a Pastoral Care position in Sault Ste. Marie. It was here that Frances was invited to lead the Pastoral Care restructuring teams for both the Plummer and Sault General Hospitals.
In 2000, Frances joined members of her congregation in correspondence study and on site courses in Chicago and Washington for formation for novice directors.
In 2004, while on sabbatical, Frances enjoyed courses at Springfield, Massachusetts and tours of Ireland and Scotland. A highlight of this time for Fran and her sister, Merle, was the opportunity to get in touch with their ancestral roots.
Frances returned to Sudbury in 2004 and became active in parish ministry at Holy Redeemer Parish until September 2015 serving as Spiritual Advisor for the Catholic Women’s League, organizing parish Development and Peace programs, and was a member of the social justice committee. Frances also enjoyed her time as a volunteer at St. Alphonsus Food Bank, the Sudbury Theatre Centre, Cancer Clinic and the Sudbury Alzheimer Day Program.
Sister Frances is predeceased by her mother Catherine (Burke), her father Stellarton Allan McIsaac, and brothers; Stellarton Angus and Patrick Gerard. She is survived by her sisters Anne Rizzolo (Bob) and Merle Walter (George deceased), her brother Hilary (Mary Foshay) and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and cousins.
Sister Frances will be remembered as a woman who embraced life, enjoying family, friends and community. She was a creative woman, an artist, an outdoor enthusiast, Nickel City Walker, card player and faithful friend. In her illness, as in life, she witnessed to a quiet steadiness, strength, and courage.
The body of Sister Frances will be received at St. Joseph’s Motherhouse at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2016. Everyone is welcome to join the congregation for a prayer vigil at 7:00 p.m. in the Holy Family Chapel. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, January 6, 2016. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, North Bay, Ontario.
May Sister Frances rest in peace.