A funeral Mass was celebrated April 20 for Sister Mary Francis Hoffmann, OSC, at the Monastery of St. Clare in south St. Louis County.

Sister Mary Francis died April 16 at the monastery, the 59th anniversary of her investiture as a Poor Clare Nun. She was 77.

Born Mary Margaret Hoffmann, she was a St. Louis native. The summer after graduating from Notre Dame High School in 1960, she entered the Poor Clares. She received her religious name, Sister Mary Francis of the Jesus Crucified, in 1961, and professed her solemn vows in 1965.

Sister Mary Francis served the community in numerous capacities over the years, including as a portress, cook, bursar and secretary. But she found her greatest joy serving as a sacristan. She delighted in the constant contact this afforded her with the Presence of the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Physical pain and suffering were her daily fare, especially later in life, but with an indomitable spirit, she pressed on to the end. In her final week, she eagerly devoted herself to preparing to meet Jesus.

Sister Mary Francis is survived by her sisters, Mother Mary Leo, OSC, abbess of the same monastery, Alice Hoffmann and Mary Catherine Feldmeier; and her brothers, John and Phillip Hoffmann. Burial was in the monastery cemetery.