Sister Marie Frances (Mary Gerald) was born in Conception, Missouri, entered the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood as a novice in 1946 and professed first vows in 1948. She completed a bachelor’s degree in history at Saint Louis University, a master’s degree in educational administration at St. Xavier College in Chicago and master’s degrees in philosophy and psychology at Saint Louis University.

She taught elementary grades at Holy Innocents in St. Louis from 1956-57 and Holy Family School in St. Louis, 1957-59. She was the founding principal and teacher at St. Sabina School in Florissant, from 1964-65. She also served as an elementary school supervisor and education consultant for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. She taught at at St. Henry School in Charleston, Missouri, and St. Columba School in Conception, Missouri.

Most of Sister Marie Frances’ teaching career was at the college level: 19 years with St. Mary’s College (1968-87) and 25 years with St. Charles County Community College (1987-2003). As a member of the first faculty of the community college, she was tasked with opening four departments: philosophy, psychology, sociology and education. She served as an instructor, department chair and professor. After retiring from teaching, she continued to serve at the college for four years as a computer lab assistant.

A funeral Mass was celebrated for Sister Marie Frances on Sept. 15 with limited attendance due to COVID-19. Survivors include two brothers, Father Clarence Wiederholt of Jefferson City, Missouri, and Robert Wiederholt of Maryville, Missouri.