Frances Cardillo

Born: Frances Marie Cardillo on April 19, 1932 in Rome, NY. Died: May 9, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Daughter of Dominick and Carmella Greco Cardillo of Rome, NY. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1954 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1961. Sister Frances devoted herself to the life and Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for more than 60 years. As a child in Rome, NY she attended St. Mary's grade school from 1937-45 and in 1949, accepted her high school diploma from the Academy of Holy Name. She pursued college courses in science and math at St. Rose College in Albany, NY, receiving her B.S. degree in Education in 1953. Sister Frances had become acquainted with the Franciscan Sisters during grade school at St. Mary's and never forgot the feeling of friendship and caring that filled those early years with the sisters. She applied to enter the Order of the Franciscan Sisters just before her college graduation. Once joining the Congregation, she completed graduate work at St. Rose and the University of Rochester in Rochester, NY, earning her M.A. in Biology from St. Rose in 1961. She continued with course work at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI before returning to St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, NY to finish up studies in natural history, anatomy and physics which would earn her Ph.D in Biology in 1967. Sr. Frances started out teaching high school science and math courses in several schools of the congregation. In 1967, she accepted a position providing college instruction at Ladycliff College in Highland Falls, NY where she was named Department Head by the early 70's and soon was appointed Associate Professor of Biology at the college. In time, she accepted a professorship in the biology department of Manhattan College in New York City. While there, she was offered an opportunity to participate in cancer cell research during a sabbatical year at the world famous Wistar Institute at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA. Sister saw the work as a great honor and the gratifying experience proved invaluable to her direction in successive years of the Biotechnology program at Manhattan College. When she departed in 2002, she returned to Allegany and became a strong advocate for Canticle Farm, working to grow and expand the agricultural ministry for area citizens. Her many contributions to the Farm are a great part of its current success and positive local influence. In 2009, Sr. Frances fully retired, happily joining her sisters at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, New York. Sister Frances is predeceased by her parents and a brother, Anthony. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2016 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, May 12, 2016 in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, New York. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York.