Sr. Francilla Kirby

EDUCATOR, PARISH MINISTER

BVM Sister Francilla Kirby, 82, died Oct. 9 in Chicago.

A San Francisco native, she entered the Sisters of Charity BVM congregation in 1947 from St. Finn Barr Parish, San Francisco. She professed final vows in 1955.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, She served in many areas of pastoral and parish ministry at Holy Family Parish (Roosevelt) during most of the years from 1977-2010. She also spent four years in Dubuque, Iowa, serving as patient representative and pastoral minister at Marian Hall at Mount Carmel.

Fr. Joseph F. Downey

EDUCATOR, EDITOR

Jesuit Father Joseph F. Downey, 94, died Oct. 20 in Clarkston, Mich.

An Ohio native, Father Downey entered the Jesuits in 1935. During his Jesuit formation, he earned a master’s degree in English from Loyola University Chicago in 1946. Following his ordination in 1948, he earned a master’s degree in education from Loyola in 1951. He also taught part time.

In 1953 he joined the faculty of St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, where he also served as registrar until 1958.

From 1962-69 he served as socius for the Detroit Province of the Jesuits (now joined with the Chicago Province). He then served as editor of America Magazine in New York City from 1969-73.

From 1985-2004, Father Downey worked at Loyola Press, first as associate editor (1986- 1989), then as editorial director of trade books (1989-1994), and finally as editorial consultant (1994- 2004).

Sr. Thomasine Griffin

EDUCATOR

Sister of Providence Thomasine (Margaret) Griffin, 85, died Oct. 23 in St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

A Boston native, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence in 1942 and professed final vows in 1950. In her 68 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered for education, provincial administration and parish volunteer work.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, she taught at Immaculate Conception (1945-48) and Our Lady of Sorrows (1948-49).

Sr. Joan Mary Baldridge

TEACHER, PRINCIPAL

Sinsinawa Dominican Sister Joan Mary (Marinus) Baldridge, 77, died Oct. 24 in Sinsinawa, Wis.

A Wisconsin native, Sister Joan Mary made her first religious profession in 1952 and her final profession in 1955. She ministered in education for 43 years, 16 as a teacher and 27 as a principal.

In the Archdiocese of Chicago, Sister Joan Mary taught at St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest (1961-65); and Ss. Faith, Hope and Charity, Winnetka (1965-68). She ministered as principal at Immaculate Conception, 1968-72.

She is survived by her twin brother, John.