Sister Frances Browne RIP
Sister Frances (or Julia as she is known in the family) was born in Singapore during the second world war. She left there as a baby when, with her mother and aunt, she was on one of the last boats to make the journey to Europe. Her mother often spoke of the bombing as they sailed away and of the long voyage back home. Her father was left behind with the other men who were captured and suffered greatly in a prisoner of war camp. Obviously, Frances had no memory of those challenging times, but unknowingly she developed a resilience which stood her in good stead all her life, especially the last ten years.
A young student who was at Wimbledon Ursuline when Frances was around 17 remembers her as an elegant young lady – a very kind-hearted and attentive person. These qualities stayed with her all her life.
Frances had the best professional job for her personality. As a Home Economics teacher, she combined a love of her subject with sensitivity and compassion for her students. She had that great gift which enabled her to empower young people to find the best in themselves. She combined a warm compassion with intelligent common sense. She was always ready to listen to the cries for help from the most troubled students and had a special love for the “characters” to be found in every class!
As a community member Frances was generous. Being a very practical person she was the one who masterminded the move from the “old” convent to the “new” one at Westgate all those years ago. Ursulines have the amazing ability to keep hold of things – just in case – so I can imagine what that move will have entailed! As an accomplished cook and hostess, Frances was also a great “homemaker” – everyone was welcomed with a beaming smile and courtesy.
Frances taught at Wimbledon, Westgate and Forest Gate before having a period of study at the Gregorian in Rome. She was appointed Novice Directress in 1985. Ursulines in England and the Caribbean are grateful for her guidance during those important years. Frances had the joy of visiting Barbados and Guyana in 1993.
On her return from the Caribbean Frances undertook a three-year course in Psychosynthesis Counselling and Therapy. Her innate ability to find the good in others coupled with this training enabled her to be a great support to the people she met in parishes and during the “weeks of accompanied prayer”.
She could spot situations which needed careful handling. Through her network of friends and contacts she was able to find a foster home for a student in Year 10 whose parents had died. On another occasion she helped a woman to find peace after many years of anguish. There will be many occasions like these which you will recall.
Frances retained strong family bonds. We are delighted to welcome many of her family and friends to his Mass today. Her younger siblings have vivid memories of Frances playing with them, reading them bedtime stories, pushing them in the peddle car, shelling peas on a summer evening and generally being good fun. Her sense of adventure and enjoyment in life will be long remembered as will her love of hats! To her family and friends Frances was understanding, generous, funny and loyal.
These happy memories sustained us during the last years of Frances’ life. For some time, dementia took its harsh hold on Frances to the extent that she became very distressed; a state which lasted a long time. We are most grateful for the loving care Frances received at that time and when bedridden at the Cumberland Care Home in Herne Bay.
It was a joyful day last April when Frances moved to Chestnut Manor so that she could be reunited with many other Ursulines resident there. Whilst there she celebrated her diamond jubilee of profession. Although she wasn’t able to communicate with us, we always believed she could hear us when we gave her news of her family, friends and the other Ursulines. We thank the staff who cared so attentively for Frances at Chestnut Manor and appreciate their presence here today.
When Frances was the prioress at our Lourdes Care Home in Kent, she was thoughtful, compassionate and attentive to the sisters and their relatives. For nearly ten years Frances received the same kindness and attention from the numerous people who cared for her. Her weakness brought forth great love from all whom she encountered.
Towards the end of her life Frances was at peace. For this we are grateful. The readings, music and hymns today were chosen by Frances some years ago. We have respected her wishes which I’m sure she is appreciating.
Rest in peace, Frances.
