Sr. Francis Anne (Margaret) Gilchrist

Gilchrist, Sister Francis Anne (Margaret).  Sister Francis Anne died on July 4, 2025, at Teresian House in Albany.  She was the daughter of Frank and Anna Fayden Gilchrist.  The Gilchrist family was well known in the Port Schuyler, Watervliet neighborhood.  Sister Francis was the only daughter of the six siblings.

She was a graduate of Sr. Brigid’s School, Watervliet and Catholic Central High School, Troy.  In 1950, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJ).  Sister received a B.A.in Science from the College of Saint Rose, Albany and an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling from Colgate University. Her educational ministry included teaching in the elementary and secondary schools of the Albany and Syracuse dioceses.

Sister Fran knew how blessed she was to be a CSJ and truly lived out the call to serve the “Dear Neighbor”. She brought skill, compassion, empathy, and a deep spirituality evident to everyone she encountered.  She loved to initiate projects, such as the Wellsprings Program in Glens Falls which served many religious women and men participants. Serving as Vicar for Religious in the Syracuse Diocese gave her the opportunity to interact with many religious communities and even brought new religious communities into the Diocese. The Priory at Chestertown held a special place in her heart. She took on every project - spiritual director, master gardener and fund raiser - with great energy and enthusiasm.  Many lives were touched through her spiritual direction, retreats, and participation in the Recovery Community.

Sister was predeceased by her parents, Anna and Frank, and by her five brothers, Father Frank, Mike, John, Joe, and Gene.  Her memory is cherished by her “wonderful Gilchrist family”, her nieces and nephews who have been so devoted to her, especially William and Donna, Mark and Greta, Frank and Janet, Patty and Bridget. Her memory is held dear by the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the loving caregivers at St. Joseph’s Provincial House.  The Community of the Sisters of St. Joseph are deeply appreciative of the care Sister received at the Teresian House.

Sister Francis Anne’s wake will be held in the Chapel of Saint Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham on Tuesday July 8 from 2-4 pm with Midday Prayer at 3 P.M.  Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Provincial House on Wednesday, July 9 at 10:30 A.M.  Contributions in Sister’s memory may be made to:  Office of Mission Development, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110

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