Frances was born in Moree on 29 September 1938.  The eldest child of Les and Eileen, Fran spent her early years in Garah with her brothers, Terry and John, and sister Rosemary.  When her parents moved to “Ashby Downs” Station near Charleville, Qld, Fran joined them there with her brother John for several years.

She began her education with the Dominican Sisters at Santa Maria del Monte in Grade 6, and completed her secondary education at Santa Sabina as a boarder.

She  returned to Moree and worked as a radio announcer - ‘Chief Sunbeamer’ of the Children’s Program, and producer and compere of the Women’s Hour.  Later she travelled overseas, exploring jobs and countries, and enjoying many experiences including a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

On 13 February 1965, Frances entered the Dominican community at Berith Park, Wahroonga and was professed as Sr M. Mercedes on 12 November 1966.  After completing her teacher training at Signadou Canberra, and her BA at ANU, Fran taught in secondary schools in Tamworth, Sydney, Maitland and Melbourne, and completed a term as Principal of Siena College Melbourne.  From 1983 to 1985 Fran ministered as a parish associate in a parish team at Bossley Park Sydney.

Her gift of leadership came to the fore when she was appointed Prioress in Maitland and Strathfield, she was also a member of the Congregational Leadership Team from 1986 to 1989, and represented the Congregation on the Signadou College Council and as an early member of the ACU Senate.  She was a member of the Dominican Education Council and of the Board of St Lucy’s School, Wahroonga, at which school she also had a pastoral presence.

Frances obtained a graduate diploma in Religious Studies (ACU) in 1994.  A new dimension in her ministry was added when she began her M. Ed Counselling Psychology at the University of Canberra.   From 1996 to 2008, she worked as a psychologist/family therapist for Catholic Education Offices in Blacktown and Inner West Sydney.  In 2002, Fran began a private counselling practice at Bethany Holistic Health Centre, Strathfield, and continued until December 2010 with counselling and spiritual direction. 

Fran was a loving, gentle, supportive presence among her Dominican Sisters and her colleagues, loving life and sharing her deep, reflective spirituality and faith with others.  

Frances died at St Joseph’s Hospice, Auburn on Sunday 20th March.  May she now enjoy the fullness of life in heaven.  Amen.  

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