Born in County Monaghan, Ireland in 1937 and named Elizabeth, Sr. Mary Francis entered the community in 1929. She became a US citizen in 1937 and devoted her life to education at Nativity BVM, Our Lady of Grace, St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Maurice, Our Lady of Victory, and Our Lady Star of the Sea. Sr. Mary Francis taught music, kindergarten, and religious education and passed down her love of folk dancing to her students.