Sister Frances Ellsperman, OP, (95) a native of Wooster, OH, died on the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, July 22, at the Regina Health Care Center 
 
The oldest of three, Frances was born to Ruth Starr and John Francis Ellsperman in 1929. She entered the community in Akron in 1946 and professed her final vows in 1954. She has spent the last 70 years in service to God’s people 
 
Sr. Frances earned a Bachelor of Science in education from St. John College and studied at Youngstown University, OH, on a National Science Foundation Grant. She earned other degrees in Arizona and a master's degree in education from Arizona State University. She also received a master's in religious studies from the Kino Institute in Phoenix, AZ. 
 
Sr. Frances exemplified speaking Truth through her words, actions, and the impact she had on the lives of those she affected in her varied roles. During her more than 37 years of experience as a teacher and principal in Ohio and Arizona, she applied the extensive knowledge gained from her studies. As a teacher, she was known for taking on the challenging sixth grade and was remembered for her ability to teach students both academically and socially. By the end of the year, noticeable improvements in her students' behavior and attitudes were evident to everyone. 
 
After her career in education, she served as a Pastoral Associate, Director of Religious Education (DRE), coordinator of a Homebound program, and volunteered in various capacities at St. Daniel Parish in Scottsdale, AZ. 

In her funeral homily, Sr. Valerie Shaul reflected on how the St. Daniel Parish bulletin had described Frances as an “unsung hero” and “an example of Religious serving the Church at their finest.”  

Sister Frances was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings and is survived by her beloved nieces and nephews. 

A sharing of memories took place at the Akron Motherhouse on Monday, July 29. The Funeral Mass followed on Tuesday, July 30, at Our Lady of the Elms Motherhouse Chapel in Akron. Sister was interred at Holy Cross Cemetery. 

Memorial gifts in Sister France’s memory may be submitted securely online or sent to the Dominican Sisters of Peace, Office of Mission Advancement, 2320 Airport Dr, Columbus, OH 43219.