Sister Fran Maher, CSJ

Sister Fran Maher was born in St. Louis, Mo. She entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1963 and was received into the novitiate in 1964 as Sister Elizabeth James. She received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Fontbonne College and a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame.

For the first half of her professional career, Sister Fran served on the secondary level of education as a mathematics and theology teacher and in various administrative roles. She ministered in high schools in Chicago, Peoria, Waco, Denver, and Kansas City. While in Kansas City, she transitioned to ministry in higher education and worked as the assistant registrar at Avila University. One of the highlights of her career was being part of the team that started Avila Advantage, an evening business program for working professionals.

In 2000, Sister Fran returned to her hometown of St. Louis to accompany her mom through failing health, Alzheimer’s, and her death in 2010. Sister Fran was the director of Academic Student Services within the OPTIONS program at Fontbonne University. She served on the province leadership council from 2002 - 2008. For a year and a half after leaving Fontbonne, Sister Fran taught her favorite subject, algebra, at Harris-Stowe State University. Her next ministry for 12 years was as an academic advisor for graduate students at Webster University. From 2019 - 23, Sister Fran was a member of the St. Louis Province leadership team.

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