Aston, PA — Sister Mildred Francis Conway, OSF, died in Assisi House on December 30. She was ninety-five years of age and had been a professed member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia for sixty-six years. Sister Mildred Francis was born in Philadelphia, where she was a member of St. Elizabeth Parish. After graduating from Hallahan High School, she worked at the Bell Telephone Company, first as an operator and then as supervisor. She entered the congregation in 1937 and professed her first vows in the motherhouse in Aston in 1940. She earned a B.S. in Education from Villanova University. Sister Mildred Francis ministered primarily in elementary education both as teacher (Grades 3-8) and principal and in later years worked as a librarian. She enjoyed reading and was also a musician, teaching music, playing the organ, and serving as choir director in many of the parishes where she ministered.
Sister Mildred Francis began her work in education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and ministered there for forty-nine years. She taught at St. Aloysius School in Pottstown (1940-1945); St. Benedict School, Philadelphia (1956-1957); and St. Stanislaus School, Lansdale (1970-1976). She served as teacher and/or principal of Resurrection School, Chester (1945-1946, 1958-1964); Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School, Doylestown (1964-1965); St. Elizabeth School, Philadelphia (1965-1967); and St. Ignatius School, Yardley (1967-1970). She served as librarian at St. Bonaventure School, Philadelphia (1976-1982) and as assistant librarian at St. Hubert High School (1988-1997). In 1997 Sister Mildred Francis moved to Assisi House, where she served in prayer ministry until her death.
Sister Mildred Francis also ministered for sixteen years in the Diocese of Allentown. She taught and served as principal at St. Joseph School in Easton (1946-1956). From 1982-1988 she ministered at Holy Ghost School in Bethlehem.
All services will be held in Assisi House, 600 Red Hill Road, on Thursday, January 4. A Christian Wake Service will be held at 9:30 A.M followed by viewing. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 A.M. Burial will be in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Aston. Sister Mildred Francis is survived by her sister, Mary Koob of St. Davids, Pennsylvania; by several nieces; and by her Franciscan family. Donations in her name can be made to Franciscan Ministries Foundation, 609 S. Convent Road, Aston, PA 19014.
