Sister Frances Stacey, age 76, a Sister of Providence for 57 years, died January 13, 2023 at St. Joseph Residence, Seattle.
Sister Fran was born Frances Eugenia Stacey (fondly nicknamed “Geanie” by her father) on June 27, 1946 in Los Angeles, California to the family of Eric and Frances (Stinett), and her older brother, Eric. Her father worked in the motion picture industry, and as children, she and her brother Eric worked as ‘extras,’ in both movies and TV. Sister Fran’s stage name was “Eugenia Clay.”
Sister Fran attended Providence High School in Burbank where she met the Sisters of Providence. She thought they were smart and funny, as well as being God and people centered. Sister Fran, who was raised Episcopalian became a member of the Catholic Church at the beginning of her junior year of high school. After high school graduation in 1963 she attended the University of Portland, and in 1964 she entered the Sisters of Providence and made final vows in 1972.
Her educational achievements included: a BA in Social Science, Seattle University, Seattle; a MA in Theology, University of Notre Dame; and a MA in Applied Behavior Sciences from Whitworth College, Spokane, Washington She also studied Spanish at the Maryknoll Language School in Cochabamba, Bolivia, to not just learn the language but to live it.
Sister Fran’s many ministries were at: Our Lady of Lourdes School, Vancouver, Washington (1967); St. Joseph School, Vancouver, Washington (1968-72); St. Finbar School, Burbank, California (1972-74), and Providence High School (1975-78). In 1979, she then ministered in the Diocese of Spokane as a coordinator of adult religious education, and in 1984, as Campus Minister at the College of Great Falls (now University of Providence). She also served as Vocation Director for the community for six years and later as Provincial Councilor for the Sisters of Providence.
Everything in her life up to this time was preparing her to be with the people of El Salvador. She has always been very interested in all aspects of social concerns and justice. So, when the call went out to the Sisters of Providence to pioneer a mission in El Salvador, Sister Fran was ready. In a country that was just recovering from a divisive civil war, Sister Fran found any way she could to help the people. Case in point, Sister Fran saw the value of education for youth. With her sister missionary companions, she started a scholarship fund program to enable the youth to continue onto high school and college. She was filled with joy each time a young person continued his or her education and then returned home to use these skills within the community. After 16 years as a religious woman missionary, Sister Fran returned to Seattle in 2011, with much appreciation and love. She saw being in El Salvador as a privilege.
Sister Fran regarded everyday as a celebration of life. She was especially grateful for her religious community and the many ways she was able to help those in need. She will be immensely missed.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her brother. She is survived by the Sisters in her community.
To view Sister Fran’s obituary and picture and to sign her memory book, please visit the website for Bonney-Watson Funeral Home at www.bonneywatson.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Sr. Frances Stacey for ministries in El Salvador (www.sistersofprovidence.net).