Obituary of Sr. Francis Denise Haley CSJ

Sister Francis Denise Haley, CSJ Sister Francis Denise Haley, CSJ, 103, died Friday, April 15, 2011, at St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Sister Francis Denise had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for the past 82 years. Sister Francis Denise, the former Loretta Frances Haley, was born December 3, 1907, in Syracuse, daughter of the late Denis and Mary Maloney Haley. She graduated from St. John's Catholic Academy (St. John the Evangelist High School) in Syracuse and attended Syracuse University. On March 19, 1929, Sister Francis entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph and professed final vows on August 15, 1934. She received a bachelor's degree in English from The College of Saint Rose and a master's degree in history from Catholic University of America. In addition, she pursued post-graduate studies in history at Tufts and Cornell Universities. Sister Francis taught secondary English and history in schools in the Albany and Syracuse Dioceses for 55 years and taught history at The College of Saint Rose for nine years. Before her retirement, Sister Francis taught history and served as alumni coordinator for 30 years at Seton Catholic Central High School, Binghamton. Sister Francis Denise was a warm and charismatic teacher with an affinity for politics and a keen interest in history, especially Celtic and Irish history. Her ardent dedication to Syracuse University sports was surpassed only by her deep love of her faith, her family and her religious community. Sister Francis was a refined, intelligent and gracious woman whose irrepressible sense of humor complemented her practical wisdom. She will be greatly missed. Sister Francis Denise is survived by her devoted nieces and nephews: Susan (Bill) Mack, Denise Haley, Jackie (John) Fatti, Marianne (Bob) Rushton, Tom (Danielle) Nally, Denis (Lisa) Nally, and Erin (Craig) Muir; by her dearly loved grandnieces and grandnephews: Paul (Tesha) Rushton, Shannon and Beth Rushton, Keegan Nally, and Haley, Katelyn, Jordan and Connor Muir; by her sister-in-law, Alice Haley; by many friends; and by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings: John, Paul and Mary Ellen Haley and Benita Anne Nally; and by many friends in the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Francis Denise's funeral Liturgy will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, from the chapel of St. Joseph's Provincial House, Latham. Interment will be in Our Lady Queen of Virgins Cemetery on the Provincial House grounds. Calling hours will be held at the Provincial House on Monday, April18, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Contributions in Sister Francis' memory may be made to the Development Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com