Sister Maureen Abbott

Sister Maureen, formerly Sister Maureen Francis, was born on January 23, 1939, in Buffalo, New York. Her connection to the Sisters of Providence came via Robstown, Texas, where many sisters taught at St. John School. Her family moved from Buffalo to Robstown.

She entered the Congregation on July 22, 1956, professing first vows on January 23, 1959, and final vows on August 15, 1964.

Of her ministries, Sister Maureen served as a teacher at the junior high and high school level. She also ministered as a principal at three different Catholic Schools. Sister Maureen has also ministered in various diocesan administration positions and was the author of the Congregation’s community history fourth volume book. Currently, she ministers in the Archives Department as a community historian.

Sister Maureen said she enjoys “beatifying the Providence Hall courtyard by gardening and planting flowers.”

Complete list of ministries

In California: teacher, St. Ambrose, Hollywood (1965-1966); teacher, St. Joseph, Hawthorne (1966-1969); principal, St. Joseph, Hawthorne (1969-1973); teacher, St. Ambrose, Hollywood (1973-74); principal, St. Anthony, Gardena (1974-1978); provincial, St. Michael Province, Tustin (1988-91); religion teacher/campus minister, Mercy High School, San Francisco (1992-98)

In Illinois: religion teacher, Mother Theodore Guerin High School, River Grove (1978-79); principal/administrator, Costa Catholic School, Galesburg (1979-1982)

In Indiana: teacher, St. Andrew, Indianapolis (1961-1965); community historian, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods (2015-2023)

In Oregon: tribunal, Archdiocese of Portland (1998-2015)

In Texas: director of ministries/vicar of education, Diocese of Corpus Christi (1983-88)