Sr. Mary Joel Franks O.S.F.'s Obituary
Sr. Mary Joel Franks, O.S.F., age 78 of the Sr. of St. Francis in Oldenburg, died Saturday, August 29, 2015 at the convent. Born September 14, 1936 in Dayton, Ohio, she is the daughter of Cathryn (Nee: Link) and Robert Franks.Sr. Mary Joel completed her two undergraduate degrees at Marian (College) University, and completed graduate studies at Clarke College in IA, Indiana Central College and Butler University in Indiana, and earned her elementary principal’s license through Ball State University. She entered the convent September 8, 1954 and made her final vows August 12, 1960. A teacher and principal for 25 years, schools included St. Mark and Little Flower in Indianapolis, St. Lawrence in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, St. Mary in Greensburg, Indiana, Holy Name in Beech Grove, Indiana, Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Albany, Indiana, Our Lady of Mercy in Dayton, Ohio, St. James in White Oak and Sacred Heart in Fairfield, Ohio. In 1981 she accepted a position as assistant treasurer at Marian University, and in 1983 was named treasurer. In 1996 she accepted a position as a Library Technician there, where she remained until retiring to the motherhouse earlier this year. Sr. Mary Joel was an avid sports fan, loved nature, cooking, baking, and greatly enjoyed time with her family and religious Community. She will be missed by family and friends at Marian University and in Oldenburg.She is survived by her sister Pauline Bennett of California and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her sister Margaret Scully; brothers Charles and William Franks, as well as her parents.Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 2nd, from 4 - 6:30 p.m., at the Motherhouse Chapel in Oldenburg. Funeral services follow at 6:30 p.m., with Rev. Robert Weakley O.F.M. officiating. Burial will be in the convent cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Srs. of St. Francis, P.O. Box 100, Oldenburg, IN 47036 (www.OldenburgFranciscans.org).
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