Sister Benita Francis Curley, 93, a Sister of Saint Mary of Namur, died Thursday, January 18, 2007 at Our Lady of Victory Center in Fort Worth, TX.
Eileen Curley was born May 22, 1913, in the farming community of Glasson, Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland, the tenth of twelve children. Seven of the Curley girls entered various religious orders, and all but two served in Africa.
Sister Benita Francis taught and held professional offices through her positions as teacher and principal in Sister of Saint Mary Schools in Texas and California. She taught at Sacred Heart School, Hollister, from 1949-1952 and from 1964-1972.
She is remembered as a superb teacher and excellent administrator. She was always attentive to the needs of both students and parents. She emphasized the positive, eliciting the best in everyone. All who were taught by her recall how elegant and soft spoken she was.
Sister Benita Francis is survived by one sister, Angela, and several cousins in Ireland, and the members of her religious community.
Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Saint Mary, 909 West Shaw Street, Fort Worth, TX 76110.
