Obituary of Sr. John Francis Coyle OSF

Born: Phyllis Ann Coyle, December 10, 1922 in Alma, NY Died: November 7, 2022 in St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa, FL Daughter of: Philip J. and Lulu (Cook) Coyle, Bolivar, NY Sr. John Francis entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on February 2, 1945; was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1945; and professed her final vows on August 16, 1952. She joyfully lived the Mission and Charism of the Franciscan Sisters for over 77 years. Phyllis attended elementary and high school in the Bolivar School System from 1928 – 1940. Following her high school graduation, she studied at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Buffalo, NY receiving her RN in Nursing in 1944. Sister pursued studies at Barry College, Miami, FL and Catholic University of America in Washington, DC where she received her BS in Nursing. She continued her education at Catholic University of America and received her Master’s in Administration in Nursing Education in 1958. Her initial ministry was at St. Francis Hospital in Miami Beach, FL as Head Nurse for 13 years. In 1959, she became the Director of Nursing at St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing in Brighton, MA. Five years later, she was transferred to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital School of Nursing in Camden, NJ where she made her impact for 38 years, first as Director followed by the position as Dean. She was known as a firm but outstanding Nursing Director. Graduates from “Lourdes” had the reputation as excellent RN’s due to her commitment to her ministry. In 2002, Sister retired to St. Elizabeth Convent, Tampa, FL, following a brief period of time caring for her ill sister, Theresa. She was an avid reader and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, so she took advantage of the free time that was now hers. One of her main delights was baking apple pies for the enjoyment of others. Sr. John Francis is predeceased by her parents, Philip J and Lulu (Cook) Coyle; her brothers, John and Francis; and her sisters Lucille, Theresa and Agnes. She is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. A wake service is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 4:00 PM in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at 9:30 AM in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. Burial will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc., 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.