Sr. Frances Flynn, SA
Sister Frances Flynn, SA, age 91, a Franciscan Sister of the Atonement from Graymoor, Garrison, New York, died peacefully at Lurana Healthcare Residence on Wednesday evening, March 19, 2025.
She was born on January 11, 1934, in Drumkeelanmore, Drumshambo, County Leitrim, Ireland to Mary E. (Lee) and Francis J. Flynn. Sister Frances is predeceased by her parents and her brothers Frank, Charles and Kieran; and her sisters, Sister Marie Flynn SA, Sister Consiline Flynn, SA, Patsy Cullen and Betty Travers. She is survived by her Sisters in community, as well as her sister, Consoline Guckian, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sister Frances entered the Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement on May 6, 1948 in Ireland. She professed her First Vows on May 10, 1951, and her Final Vows on September 1, 1956. As an Atonement missionary for over 75 years, Sister Frances had a variety of ministry experiences. She was involved in catechetical and pastoral ministry in Dragerton, UT; Hamden, CT; Farmington, NH; Schenectady and Elmira, NY; Newport, Grants Pass, Bandon and Brookings, OR; Oildale, CA; Nanticoke, PA and Byram, CT. Sister Frances served as a General Councilor on our Leadership Team from 1981 – 1986 and again from 1986 – 1991. She was the local coordinator of our mission at St. Cecilia’s in New York City; she was involved in retreat ministry at the Washington Retreat House, Washington, DC and at Our Lady of the Atonement Retreat House, Graymoor. While ministering in Burlington, VT she served as our Postulant Directress. Sister Frances returned to Graymoor as part of our Pastoral Care Team in 2016.
Sister Frances will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her gracious hospitality and her commitment to the Gospel. In 2012, when she was asked “What legacy am I leaving for those who come after me?” Sister Frances responded: “As I reflect on my sixty plus years as a member of our congregation, I am filled with deep gratitude for all of the blessings I have been given. These blessings include the love and support I have received from my family members, from the Sisters in our community and from the countless people who touched my life as I served in our various ministries. In different ways, all have made the presence of God a concrete reality in my life. And it has been an ongoing effort on my part to be a credible witness of the Gospel, to reflect God’s love and compassion to others and to be an instrument of His peace to others. In the process of meeting the various challenges and opportunities in community life and in ministry, my own faith has been tested, strengthened, and renewed over and over. I believe my ongoing efforts over the years to be a reflection of God’s goodness will, in some small way, be a legacy for those who come after me,”
Services will be held in the Motherhouse Chapel in St. Francis Convent at Graymoor. An Evening Prayer/ Wake Service will begin at 7:00 pm on Sunday evening, March 23, 2025. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Monday morning, March 24, 2025. Burial will be in the Sisters’ Cemetery at Graymoor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, 41 Old Highland Turnpike – Graymoor, Garrison, New York 10524. Funeral arrangements are by Dorsey-Carlone Funeral Home, Peekskill, New York.