Obituary of Sr. Mary Francesca Holly
Sister Mary Francesca Holly, age 86, died peacefully at McAuley Hall Heath Care Center in Watchung, NJ, on November 7, 2024. Sister Francesca was born in New York, NY, the daughter of Leo and Fay (Guedalia) Justin. After her father’s death, her mother married Jay Holly, and she took his last name, becoming Susan Holly. Sister Francesca was a Sister of Mercy for 68 years.
She first met the Sisters of Mercy in elementary school at Holy Cross School in Rumson. She later attended the Mercy High School, Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, NJ, and then entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1956. She earned her B.A. in English from Georgian Court College in Lakewood, NJ, and later earned an M.A. in English as well as an M.A. in Theology.
Sister taught in various elementary and high schools throughout New Jersey for 20 years. In 1977 she returned to Georgian Court College, her alma mater, where she served as Director of the Center for Christian Concerns. She then continued to serve at Georgian Court in several staff positions until 2013, when she retired to Gabriel Hall at Mount Saint Mary in Watchung.
Sister Francesca was predeceased by her parents and her only sister Lynn Devine. She was blessed with a close and loving family. When holidays were celebrated at the Mount, Francesca always won the prize for the most family guests. She is survived by her loving nieces and nephews Francis Devine, Jay Devine (Mary), Holly Avilleira (Eric), and Susan Fridley, along with their precious children and grandchildren to whom Sister Francesca is lovingly referred to as “Aunt Grandma.”
Sister Francesca lived her motto: “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.” Well into her eighties, she was still interested in learning, growing, and helping others. She was an unforgettable character who could be counted upon to speak her mind. She faced her final illness and death with the peace and confidence that springs from a life of faith.
She will be greatly missed and always remembered by her family, her friends, and her religious family of Mercy. With our foundress Catherine McAuley, we say: “Shall we all meet in heaven? O, what a joy even to think of it.”
Sister Francesca’s funeral services will be held in the Immaculate Conception Chapel at Mount Saint Mary, 1645 U.S. Highway Rt. 22 West, Watchung, NJ, on Thursday, November 14, 2024. A Welcome Home Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., with the Funeral Mass commencing at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in South Plainfield, NJ, will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1645 US Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069. Thank you.
