Sister Francis Anne Gilchrist, CSJ

Sister Francis Anne Gilchrist, CSJ

Sister Francis Anne (Margaret) Gilchrist, CSJ, died on July 4 at Teresian House in Albany. She was the daughter of Frank and Anna Fayden Gilchrist. The Gilchrist family was well known in the Port Schuyler, Watervliet neighborhood. Sister Francis was the only daughter of six siblings.

She was a graduate of St. Brigid’s School in Watervliet and Catholic Central High School in Troy. In 1950, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She received a bachelor’s in science from the College of Saint Rose and a master’s in guidance and counseling from Colgate University. Her educational ministry included teaching in the elementary and secondary schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses.

Sister Fran knew how blessed she was to be a CSJ and truly lived out the call to serve the “Dear Neighbor.” She brought skill, compassion, empathy and a deep spirituality evident to everyone she encountered. She loved to initiate projects, such as the Wellsprings Program in Glens Falls which served many religious women and men. Serving as Vicar for Religious in the Syracuse diocese gave her the opportunity to interact with many religious communities and even brought new religious communities into the diocese. The Priory at Chestertown held a special place in her heart. She took on every project — spiritual director, master gardener and fundraiser — with great energy and enthusiasm. Many lives were touched through her spiritual direction, retreat and participation in the Recovery Community.

Sister Francis Anne was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Frank, and by her five brothers, Father Frank, Mike, John, Joe and Gene. Her memory is cherished by her “wonderful Gilchrist family,” her nieces and nephews who have been so devoted to her, especially William and Donna, Mark and Greta, Frank and Janet, Patty and Bridget. Her memory is held dear by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the loving caregivers at St. Joseph’s Provincial House. The Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph is deeply appreciative of the care she received at the Teresian House.

Sister Francis Anne’s Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Provincial House on July 9. Contributions in her memory may be made to: Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, N.Y., 12110