Sister Mary Fran grew up in Somerville, MA, the second oldest in a family of five. She assumed household responsibility at an early age because of her mother’s debilitating illness. "I was attracted to the Daughters because of the personal interest they took in me and my family when I was in grade school. They knew I had responsibilities at home and were always helping in little ways. They showed great sensitivity to the reality of their students’ lives."

Mary Fran has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s in Religious Education from Boston College. She also has done post graduate education in spirituality and spiritual direction. "I have been in education for most of my life as a Daughter of Charity, and have taught on every level from elementary through high school and college. I continued to use my teaching skills as a Director of Religious Education and even when assigned to spiritual direction and retreat work. The highlight of my ministry was visiting our Sisters in Ethiopia and doing a workshop for them. I love anything that puts me in touch with the international aspect of our community. Being a Daughter of Charity has opened me up to the world and the human community like no other experience. She often says, "all of my previous experience as a Daughter has prepared me for this ministry of leadership in which I am now engaged."

Mary Fran is currently the Provincial of the Northeast Province. She is an avid reader and an equally enthusiastic bird watcher! She also enjoys knitting and a good movie now and then.