Obituary of Frances Ann Gavin

Born: Frances Ann Gavin on November 15, 1924 in Olean, NY. Died: April 29, 2015 in the Healthcare Center of the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Daughter of Bernard and Ora Every Gavin of Olean, NY. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1954 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1961. For over 60 dedicated years, Sr. Frances faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany. As a child in Olean, Sr. Frances attended grade school at St. Mary of the Angels and Olean High schools, graduating in 1942. Her college career began in Buffalo, NY, studying at the Buffalo Teacher's college from 1942-44 and D'Youville from 1944-46, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in English. She pursued graduate work at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY, earning her Master's degree in Education in 1951. A few short years later, Sr. Frances answered God's call and entered the order of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, devoting her life to serving others. She primarily taught high school students within schools of the congregation. Sister's initial assignment was at St. Mary's of the Angels in Haddonfield, NJ, where she taught from 1955-68. This was followed by teaching assignments in two Florida schools: Little Flower in Ft. Myers and Stella Maris in Melbourne. Sr. Frances also spent a year at St. Anne's in Carthage, MS, teaching religious education to native Choctaw Indians, an experience she cherished. In between her teaching assignments, she worked to achieve certifications in Medical Recordkeeping at the University of Southern Florida in 1972 and later, Guidance Counseling at St. Bonaventure University in 1985. She later accepted a second assignment at Stella Maris in Melbourne and ministered as the school's Guidance Counselor from 1979-87. When a clerical position became available a few years later at St. Mary's Hospital in West Palm Beach, FL, Sr. Frances was pleased to accept and serve through her skills in Medical Recordkeeping and with various clerical work as needed. In 2003, Sr. Frances retired to the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, where in her quiet way, she continued to volunteer and serve wherever possible. Her love of God, the Community and her sisters were paramount in her life. Sr. Frances was predeceased by her parents, a brother, Robert Gavin and a cousin, Sr. Mary of the Angels Moore OSF. She is survived by a brother, Rev. Robert (Richard) Gavin OFM and a cousin, Mary Jane Nevins. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2015 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 4, 2015 in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York.