By Robert Anglen
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Sister Francis

DELHI TWP. - Francis Elizabeth Hoying, who for 61 years was a member of the Sisters of Charity, died Monday at the age of 80.

A former junior high and high school teacher, Sister Francis began her career at St. Anthony in Madisonville in 1949 and retired in 1994 from Purcell Marian High School.

"Sister Francis was a shy, gentle woman with twinkling eyes and always a smile," said Sister Margaret Ebbing, who entered the congregation with Sister Francis in 1942.

Sister Mary Colette Hart, former Purcell vice principal, said Sister Francis was an excellent teacher, "patient, kind, loving with her students and very supportive."

At Purcell, Sister Francis moderated a club for students in performing arts.

She taught math and home economics. She also taught four years at Edgecliff College and at schools in Michigan and New Mexico.

Sister Francis earned a bachelor's degree in education from St. Louis University and a master's in education from the College of Mount St. Joseph.

She is survived by siblings Ethel Braunlin, Irene O'Conner, Betty Ruth Huelskamp and Francis Hoying.

Visitation is 2-3 p.m. today in Immaculate Conception Chapel at the Sisters of Charity Motherhouse in Delhi Township. Mass of Christian burial follows at 3 p.m., with burial in the Motherhouse cemetery. Memorials can be made in Sr. Francis Elizabeth Hoying's name to Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati Retirement Fund, 5900 Delhi Road, Mt. St. Joseph, OH 45051.

E-mail ranglen@enquirer.com