May 2, 1932 – July 4, 2025
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Francis Anne (Margaret) Gilchrist, who died peacefully on July 4, 2025, at Teresian House in Albany, New York.
Sister Fran was the daughter of Frank and Anna Fayden Gilchrist. She was the only daughter among six siblings. The Gilchrist family was well known in the Port Schuyler neighborhood of Watervliet, New York.
She was a graduate of St. Brigid’s School, Watervliet and Catholic Central High School in Troy, New York. In 1950, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Sister Fran received a bachelor of arts degree in science from The College of Saint Rose in Albany and a master of arts in guidance and counseling from Colgate University. Her educational ministry included teaching in the elementary and secondary schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses.
Sister Fran knew how blessed she was to be a Sister of St. Joseph and truly lived out the call to serve the dear neighbor. She brought skill, compassion, empathy and a deep spirituality evident to everyone she encountered. She loved to initiate projects, such as the Wellsprings Program in Glens Falls, which served many religious women and men participants. Serving as the Vicar for Religious in the Syracuse Diocese gave her the opportunity to interact with many religious communities and even brought new religious communities into the diocese. The Priory at Chestertown held a special place in her heart. She took on every project—spiritual director, master gardener and fundraiser—with great energy and enthusiasm. Many lives were touched through her spiritual direction, retreats and participation in the recovery community.
Sister Fran was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Frank, and by her five brothers, Father Frank, Mike, John, Joe and Gene. Her memory is cherished by her “wonderful Gilchrist family,” her nieces and nephews who have been so devoted to her, especially William and Donna, Mark and Greta, Frank and Janet, Patty and Bridget. Her memory is held dear by the Sisters of St. Joseph and the loving caregivers at St. Joseph’s Provincial House. The Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph are deeply appreciative of the care Sister Fram received at the Teresian House.
Sister Francis Anne’s wake will be held in the Chapel of Saint Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham on Tuesday, July 8 from 2-4 p.m. with midday prayer at 3 p.m. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Provincial House on Wednesday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m.
Contributions in Sister Fran’s memory may be made to: Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 or donate online.
Rest in peace, sister, Fran
Sr. Frances Anne was my father’s first cousin. She was always at family reunions we would attend upstate. She was always so welcoming & cheerful.
I will always remember her for the kindness she showed my Aunt Mary Irene. She was always available to speak to Aunt Mary who was in a nursing home for the last 13 years of her life.
The world was a better place because she was in it.
RIP
Sr. Frances Anne led me in my first directed retreat, at my monastery, as well as a two other retreats at” the Priory”. I am grateful for those times with her and with God. She was a beautiful woman. I will miss her.
May she rest in peace.
I will miss her I met her at the PH when I worked there was so kind and loving I appreciated her kindness and friendship she will be sorely missed by all Joseph