Sister Francis Rose Lapitino, IHM

Sister Frannie and Sister Elsa, two special IHM Sisters, celebrating their jubilees together.

In 2017, Sister Francis’s congregation, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Scranton, PA received a grant to repair and upgrade their HVAC system. 

Sister Francis Rose Lapitino, IHM, was taught by the IHM Sisters in grade school and high school in mid-town Manhattan. When she made the decision to become a sister, the IHM Congregation is the only order she considered because of the inspiration she received from the happy, kind, and dedicated sisters who taught her. Teachers like Sister Elsa Eckenrode, IHM, her first grade teacher at Sacred Heart School.

Sister Frannie, as she is affectionately known, was born in 1945 and made her first profession during June of 1966. She has ministered at the following schools:

• Our Lady of Peace – Clarks Green, PA
• St. Agnes – Baltimore, MD
• St. Raymond’s – East Rockaway, NY
• Our Lady of Mercy – Forest Hills, NY
• Our Lady of Grace – Manhasset, NY

Sister Frannie and her first grade students in 1984 at St. Raymond’s.

Sister Frannie’s greatest joy has been living in Community with many sisters, teaching so many children, and making lifelong friends with many of her students and their parents.

Sister Frannie celebrating her 25th jubilee with the Sisters from her community.

Throughout her life, Sister Frannie could always count on her many friends to help her through any challenges she’s had to face. Of course, we all know that to have so many friends one must also be a good friend; and indeed Sister Frannie is! She never forgets a birthday and shows a genuine interest in and concern for everyone she meets. She is the perfect example of someone who lives each and every day to the best of her ability, is genuinely kind, and helps others as much as possible.

Sister Frannie teaching preschool at Our Lady of Mercy.

Sister Frannie’s current ministries include working in the development office at the IHM Center and in a government funded program called Telespond at the Pascucci Family Our Lady of Peace Residence (OLP), the IHM retirement home where she helps and visits the elderly sisters who reside there. Sister Frannie’s advice to others on life’s journey is to stay close to and trust God.