KAVANAGH, SR. ANN FRANCIS - Sr. Ann Francis Kavanagh, OP, formerly Gladys C. Kavanagh, a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York, for the past 71 years, died on April 10, 2004 in St. Martin de Porres Infirmary at St. Dominic's Convent, Blauvelt, New York. Sr. Ann Francis was 96 years of age.

Sr. Ann Francis was born to Francis J. Kavanagh and Ann Marie Corrigan Kavanagh on December 9, 1907 in Providence, Rhode Island. She entered the Sisters of St. Dominic on August 15, 1932 from Immaculate Conception Parish, Providence, Rhode Island. Sister Ann Francis received the Dominican Habit on April 7, 1933, professed first vows on March 8, 1934 and final vows on March 8, 1937. Sr. Ann Francis' many years of active ministry were devoted to the education of youth.

She taught in the following schools in New York; Blessed Sacrament Academy, Goshen, 1934-36; Holy Spirit, Bronx, 1936-1938; St. Pius, Bronx, 1938-1942; Holy Cross, Manhattan, 1943-45; St. Luke, Bronx, 1945-46. Sister also ministered at the House of Calvary, Bronx, 1942-43. Sister Ann Francis devoted 36 years of her active ministry, 1946-1982, to teaching elementary school children at St. Paul's School, Daytona Beach, Florida.

She returned to St. Dominic's Convent in 1982 and spent the remaining yeras of her life in prayer ministry as a member of the convent infirmary. In addition to her religious congregation, Sr. Ann Francis is survived by her sister-in-law, Thelma Kavanagh, her niece Sr. Christine Kavanagh, RSM, both of Providence, Rhode Island, and several other nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters: Grace Coleman and Marie Gauthier and her brothers: Daniel, Bernard, Edward and Francis.

Relatives and friends can attend services at:St. Dominic's Convent, 496 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York. Wake on Monday, April 12, 3:00 PM- 8:00 PM. Evening Prayer, Monday, 6:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, April 13, at 10:30 AM. Burial will be held at St. Dominic's Convent Cemetery.

Published: Monday, April 12th, 2004