Sister Maria Francina Travis (Formerly Bernice M. Travis) died in Camilla Hall on June 12, 2021 in the 75th year of her religious life shortly after celebrating her 96th birthday.
Bernice M. Travis was born on May 10, 1926. Her parents Charles and Mary (Kirlin) Travis raised their family in St. Agnes Parish in West Chester, PA. Bernice attended St. Agnes Elementary School (1932-1940) and St. Agnes High School (1940-1944). Bernice entered our IHM Community on January 6, 1946. Bernice received her habit and religious name, Sister Maria Francina, on August 16, 1946. Sister pronounced her First Vows on August 15, 1948.
Beginning in the fall of 1948 through the school year ending in 2011, Sister Maria Francina taught primary-grade children in St. Francis Xavier, St. Dominic, St. William, St. Louis, St. Joseph (Warrington), St. Maria Goretti (Hatfield), Good Shepherd, St. Peter (Reading), St. Martin of Tours, St. Anselm, and SS. Simon & Jude (West Chester). Sister served children and their families for 63 years, this is no small feat.
When Sister Francina entered Camilla Hall Convent Home in August 2011, she continued to serve the Lord and her Sisters as a faithful member of the Apostolate of Prayer until her death on June 12. God rest her dear soul.
Sister Francina is predeceased by her parents Charles and Mary; her brothers Harry, Edmond, Charles, Frank, Jack and her sisters Sue Schaunis, Mary McKenny, Margaret Murphy, and Sister Mary Imelda Travis, IHM. Many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews survive Sister.
Reverend William Kelley celebrated Sister’s Funeral Mass Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 10:30 AM. Msgr. Thomas Dunleavy and Reverend Michael Gerlach joined Father Kelley at the altar. May our dear Sister rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
Camilla Hall Nursing Home
IHM Mission Advancement Office
230 IHM Drive
Malvern, PA 19355