Sister M. Francesca (Mary Louise) Parana OSF Obituary

Sister M. Francesca, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, United States Province, died on July 27, 2022, at Vincentian Home, Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 92 and in her 75th year of religious profession. Sister entered the community from St. John the Baptist Parish in Barnesboro, Pa., in 1946 and professed her first vows in 1947 at Mount Assisi Convent Chapel in Pittsburgh. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) and a master’s degree in U.S. history from Duquesne University. During her years of ministry, Sister Francesca taught and was a principal in elementary schools in the dioceses of Allentown, Erie, Greensburg and Pittsburgh, and, on the secondary level, in San Antonio, Texas. She was also a parish organist and choir director. She served her community as vocation directress, novice directress, director of associates, provincial minister and provincial vicar. She also served as general vicar in Rome from 1983 to 1989. Since 2015, Sister has remained a faithful participant in prayer ministry. Sister Francesca was preceded in death by her parents, Stephen and Mary Cecilia (Fabian) Parana. She is survived by her religious community and several cousins. The viewing and funeral on Monday, August 1, 2022, was private. Arrangements have been made by Lawrence T. Miller Funeral Home, Inc., Pittsburgh, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the School Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Fund, 4900 Perry Highway, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15229.