Sister Mary Fran Simons died July 1, 2026, at Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, KS. She was 92 years old and a Sister of St. Joseph for 70 years. She was born in Raton, New Mexico, on July 1, 1934, to John and Margaret McDonald Simons, the second of four children, and was baptized Mary Francis. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph, Concordia, KS on September 9, 1955. On March 19, 1956, Mary Francis received the habit of the Sisters of St. Joseph and was given the name Sister John Paul, later changing back to her baptismal name. She pronounced first vows on March 19, 1957 and final vows on March 19, 1960.

In 1960 Sister Mary Fran Simons received her AB from Marymount in Latin followed by a MA in 1967 in Latin from St. Louis University. She taught in schools staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Salina, Abilene, Concordia, KS and Grand Island, NE for 18 years. After retiring from teaching, S. Mary Fran served as a chaplain at Valley Hope Center, Chandler, AZ for 34 years. In September 2020, Sister Mary Fran retired to the Motherhouse.

Sister Mary Fran Simons was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. A Bible Vigil Service will be held July 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the Nazareth Motherhouse Chapel with Dottie Moss as the eulogist. The Mass of Christian Burial will be July 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the Motherhouse Chapel Father Barry Brinkman presiding. The burial will be in the Nazareth Motherhouse Cemetery. Chaput-Buoy Mortuary, 325 W. 6th St., Concordia, KS is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Sister Mary Fran Simons may be given to the Sisters of St. Joseph Health Care/ Retirement Fund or the Apostolic Works of the Sisters; P.O Box 279, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.

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