Sister Christine Francis Kennedy, O.P., a member of the Sisters of St., Dominic, Amityville, L.I., for 64 years, died June 20 at the age of 86.

Baptized as Patricia, she was born in Jackson Heights. She entered the Dominican Sisters in 1951 and the following year received the habit and her religious name, Christine Francis.

From 1953 to 1960, she taught elementary school at St. Agnes Cathedral School, Rockville Centre; Blessed Virgin Mary Help of Christians, Woodside; and Sacred Heart, East Glendale.

In 1960, she was assigned to teach business in St. Michael H.S., Brooklyn, and in 1962 she began teaching at All Saints H.S., Williamsburg. From 1964 to 1971, she taught business administration at Catholic University in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

Upon returning to New York, she pursued a master of social work degree at Yeshiva University and began a ministry that was part of the foundation of Veritas Villa, a nationally recognized alcohol rehabilitation center, first located on the grounds of St. Joseph, Monticello, and currently located in Kerhonkson, N.Y.

In 1977, she was elected regional superior and served on the executive board of the congregation until 1981. She then ministered as a counselor at Dominican Commercial H.S., Jamaica, and at Bishop Kearney H.S., Bensonhurst; and served as a supervisor for Alcoholism Serve – Stop DWI, and was a social worker at St. Gregory Service Center, Bellerose.

As health began to fail her, she moved to Carlin Hall at Queen of the Rosary Motherhouse.

She is survived by her brother, Jack.