Funeral services were held Nov. 14 in Mount St. Mary, Watchung, for Mercy Sister Mary Francesca Holly, who died Nov. 7. She was 86.
A professed member of the Sisters of Mercy for 68 years, Sister Mary Francesca became familiar with the community as a student on Holy Cross School, Rumson, where the sisters served on the faculty. She entered the congregation in 1956. She held a bachelor of arts degree in English from Georgian Court College, Lakewood, and a master of arts degrees in English and theology.
For 20 years, Sister Mary Francesca taught in various elementary and high schools in New Jersey before returning to Georgian Court to serve as director of the Center for Christian Concerns in 1977. She then held several staff positions there until retiring in 2013.
Sister Mary Francesca is survived by nieces and nephews and their families.
Burial was in Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield. Memorial donations may be made to the Sisters of Mercy, 1645 Highway 22, Watchung, NJ 07069.