Obituary

 

Sister M. Francetta Larkin, IHM

Sister M. Francetta Larkin, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, March 24, 1965 at. St. Joseph's Convent in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

She was born on April 26, 1909 in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, and given the name Margaret. She was the daughter of Frances Dacey Larkin and the late John Larkin, and the step-daughter of Gerald Schlesinger. She entered the IHM Congregation on July 2, 1942, received the religious habit on May 10, 1943, and made profession of her vows on May 8, 1945.

Sister Francetta served as a teacher at the following schools: Our Lady of Good Counsel Elementary School in Inwood, RI, in 1945; St. Mary-John School in Cresson, PA, from 1945 to 1961; and St. Joseph Elementary School in Williamsport, PA, from 1961 to 1965.

Sister also served in child care for resident children at St. Mary's Home in Cresson, from 1945 to 1957.

In addition to her mother and step-father Frances and Gerald Schlesinger, she is also survived by three brothers, Bernard Schlesinger, Gerald Schlesinger, and Robert Schlesinger, a sister, Jean Reap, nieces and nephews.

Interment is at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, Pennsylvania.

Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.


Archival Remembrance:

Only for twenty-three years did our dear Sister M. Francetta serve God in our community and only in two missions; but I that time she endeared herself to all who were privileged to know her.  Her apostolic life began before she entered, starting as an aide at St. Joseph's Children's and Maternity Hospital, and followed by a splendid service at St. Joseph's Shelter, under the administration of our late Sister M. Dominic.  They were kindred spirits, serving God generously and serenely by caring for His little ones.  Her love of children, and her devoted service to them, inspired her Superiors to assign her to Saint Mary's Home in Cresson.  Hers was a complete dedication to the needs of the children.   Her true religious spirit, her humility and unfailing service endeared her to all.  Her last four years were spent in St. Joseph's School, Williamsport, where her devotion to all that God asked of her will long be remembered.  May God reward her zealous, selfless service to our Congregation.