Obituary of Sr. Frances Ryan

RYAN, SISTER FRANCES (Sheila Anne), formerly Sister Francis de Sales, entered eternal life on May 2, 2020. She entered the Ursuline Sisters of Chatham in 1948. With her roots as an educator, Sr. Frances began her ministry as a teacher and principal in Harrow, Mount Carmel, Sandwich East, and Stratford. She went on to serve as professor of sociology and principal of Brescia University College. From 1977 to 1985 she ministered as the General Superior of the Ursuline Community. In 1986 she moved to Toronto and became the editor of Catholic New Times. Throughout her religious life she made significant contributions in the area of social justice at the local, national and international levels. She was involved in groundbreaking work with such groups as the ecumenical coalitions, the Canadian Alternative Investment Cooperative, Social Justice Office of the Diocese of London, Sojourn House for Refugees, Pax Christi, Oikos Credit, Canadian Religious Conference, the Women’s Leadership Council of United Way and Angela’s Pocket. With the construction of the new Ursuline Residence at 20 Merici Way in Chatham, Sr. Frances moved to Villa Angela where she continued to be involved in local leadership, committee work and a variety of outreach endeavours. Sr. Frances was born in Windsor, Ontario, the daughter of the late Dean and Frances (Dunn) Ryan. She is survived by her siblings, Father Michael Ryan of Essex, Maureen Sheehan of Sarnia, Moya Haddad of Windsor, Tim Ryan SFM of Toronto and Dan Ryan of Kanata. She is predeceased by her parents, and her siblings, Patrick Ryan, Alberta Mills, Nora Plouffe and Bridget Abrams. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of the life for Sister Frances will take place on Wednesday July 15, 2020 at 10 am in Blessed Sacrament Church. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions there will be 69 seats left for the public to sign up for online at: https://signup.com/go/tuApJTz (please highlight this link, then right click, then go to....) Also please note that masks are mandatory and anyone without one will no be allowed entrance, thank-you. Donations in memory of Sister Frances may be made to “Chatham Ursuline Charities”, 20 Merici Way, Chatham, Ontario N7L 3L8 or to the charity of your choice. www.signup.com/go/tuApJTz To watch the live stream of the mass, please use this link: https://ccfp.dol.ca/live-streamed-mass (please highlight this link, then right click, then go to....)