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Janet Kelly posted a condolence
Sunday, May 10, 2020
To our friends of the Ursuline Community...
The recent passing of Sr. Frances Ryan brought back some amazing memories of her and all of the Chatham Ursulines who have provided support to the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre over more than 40 years. We want to share some of these with you on behalf of the founding group, Janet Kelly, Joy Pyymaki\Lang, Lucy Glenn, Kathy Cottingham and Sandi Mailloux and also our dear friend Karen Haskell who passed away too soon.
In 1979, the Women's Centre opened but was financially struggling to provide shelter for abused women and their children. On a rainy November day, when there was only $60 in the bank, an Ursuline Sister appeared at our door with a cheque that helped the Shelter remain open. It remains a mystery how the Ursuline Sisters knew of our need but this generous donation gave us hope that this service for women and children had Community support. This was the beginning of what would be an extraordinary partnership.
Our first "encounter" with Sr. Frances along with Sr. Anne McCarthy was shortly after we were forced to vacate our house because it was being sold and we needed plans for a next move. Members of the Board met with Sisters at the Mother House and received the generous offer of funds for a down payment on a new home. When we asked how they could do this-Sr. Frances said "don't worry-when it is needed-the money appears". When Lucy tried to establish a repayment plan-we were again told "not to worry" and "whatever works for you". They held our mortgage interest free!
A few year later, due to fire and health regulations, we were required to find a another new home. Board members met with Sr. Frances, Sr. Anne and Sr. Mary Margaret to discuss our dilemma, and since the Ursuline Order held the mortgage on the property, they needed to be consulted. They asked us what we wanted to do moving forward.
We explained the challenges and limitations of older homes that continued to arise as we provided shelter and outreach services for our families. The Board was prepared to take on the responsibility and challenge of building a new facility. After a private discussion among themselves, the offer.."so how would you like an acre of property on Sandys Street to build the new facility?"
What a gift! This donation of land provided the equity required to secure government funding for the new building and resulted in the establishment of the Shelter on the site it exists on to this day.
Over the years, the Ursulines have provided Board members, volunteers, overflow housing for women and children when the Shelter was beyond capacity as well as their prayers and unqualified support for the work of the Shelter.
From the beginning of this wonderful partnership, it was explained to us that the Ursuline Order was founded by Saint Angela Merici in Italy in 1535 to support the plight of needy women and children. While the Ursuline's in Chatham had focused on education, they saw providing services to abused women and children as an extension of their original mission.
Whatever the reason for their commitment, the Chatham-Kent Women's Centre might not have survived without the Ursuline's gift of support, wisdom and prayers!!
We were and are truly grateful to Sr. Frances Ryan and all of our Ursuline "Sisters".
She was an amazing woman and we are all better to have been recipients of her strength, kindness and wisdom.
Sharing your loss,
Janet Kelly, Joy Pyymaki\Lang, Lucy Glenn, Kathy Cottingham and Sandi Mailloux
....on a personal note: I loved the times when Sr. Frances would talk about her trips to Rome and her discussions with the Pope- and the very sage advice that she would share with him on how best to do his "job"! Janet Kelly
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Anne Gillis Conway posted a condolence
Saturday, May 9, 2020
My memory of Sr. Frances is really one about her family: how proud and joyful they were at her profession of vows. Moya was my best friend at St. Clare School, ( we would have been very young) and I was at visiting with her at the Ryan house. I'm not even sure Sr. Frances was there, but I do remember the happiness in their living room when they talked about her! Clearly Sr. Frances was a blessing to all she came in contact with. Her memory and her influence are gifts to all.
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John Van Dommelen posted a condolence
Thursday, May 7, 2020
Sister Frances was a true teacher and woman of deep faith. My condolences to all her family members and fellow religious community.
Cathie &John Van Dommelen
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Lisa Alward lit a candle
Monday, May 4, 2020
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Sister Francis was my grade 8 teacher and principal at Blessed Sacrament School. ( she was Mother Francis de Sales then).She encouraged me to become a Registered Nurse .My Mother was so happy to hear this and often would raise her sweet Italian arms and would say “ Thank goodness for Mother Francis de Sales !!” I saw Sister at mass one evening and introduced myself ( she remembered me) . When I told her the story about my Mom , she laughed so hard ! It was great.
She was a lovely woman. My sympathies to the family.
Lisa (Rossini) Alward
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Parryjane1@gmail.com posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2020
Will miss her. I too was in grade eight at Blessed Sacrament School. Mother Francis de Sales was my favourite teacher. She was tall, imposing and had such a beautiful smile. I would see her at various functions and she would always call me ‘Janie’. She brings a smile to my face when I remember. A large part of my growing up. My condolences to her family and her Ursuline family. Jane (Crummer) Parry
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lwood9@cogeco.ca posted a condolence
Monday, May 4, 2020
Remembering a special teacher! Sister Frances was my grade 8 teacher as well as principal at Blessed Sacrament School in Chatham. One memory is the math lesson we would have around report card time. We would be working on finding averages. Took us a while to understand that we were helping Sister prepare our report cards! When I revisited this memory later with Sister, we shared a good chuckle about the imaginative ways teachers think.I will miss seeing her when we can visit again. Love to all as you remember Sister Frances. Karen Wood
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Megan Steingart & Mark Burns donated to GRAND RIVER HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
Monday, May 4, 2020
Donation is on behalf of Sister Frances Ryan ("Aunt Sheila")
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Catherinanne & Kevin George planted a tree in memory of Sr. Frances Ryan
Monday, May 4, 2020
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To our dear Ursuline Family: we celebrate the beautiful gift of the life of Sr. Frances Ryan and the Spirit dwelling within her, transforming lives. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Sr. Frances Ryan uploaded a photo
Sunday, May 3, 2020
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Our philosophy is to lovingly and carefully guide you through one of life’s most difficult experiences, “the death of a loved one”…To help you to adjust to your loss, and face with courage the changes necessary for you to return to a normal and meaningful life.
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