Sister Mary Francesca Morelli, O.P., a member of the Sisters of St. Dominic, Amityville, L.I., for 74 years, died Oct. 8. She was 93 years old.
Born in Brooklyn, the family lived in St. Joseph Patron parish, Suydam St. in Bushwick.
She entered the novitiate in 1942 and two years later, she pronounced her first vows.
She taught at St. Joseph School, Astoria, 1944-47 and 1959-60; St. Joseph Patron, 1947-59, and 1960-68.
From 1968 to 1977, she taught at St. Catherine of Sienna, St. Albans. She then served as school secretary at St. Catherine’s until 2009.
In August of 2016, she moved to Carlin Hall in Amityville.
She was predeceased by her siblings, including Sister Mary Emmanuel, O.P.
Burial was in the Sisters’ cemetery in Amityville.
Sister Francesca was a loving, generous soul! She brightened many journeys. Her niece, Mary, some years ago, became quite ill, and shortly after her untimely passing on to Eternity, Sister Francesca shared with me the beautiful prayer she prayed over Mary, just hours before her passing. It is a prayer I have since prayed daily: “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and soul. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breath forth my soul in peace with you.” Pray for us here below, dear Sister Francesca. You ran the race well, dear friend! Forever we hold you in our hearts and seek to follow the path of humility and kindness you trod. Mark Bani