(1934-2026)

Sister Frances (always called Fran) Madigan concluded a brief version of her autobiography with this paragraph:

I am grateful to a God who has called me and continues to invite me to be a partner to bring the love of God to all creation. “Be still and know that I am God” is a mantra I hope to accomplish before the Last Judgement.

Those who knew her would certainly attest to the way she fully responded to the invitation from God which she referenced. As one of her friends, Sara Martinez, wrote in a remembrance shared at her wake:

She was always curious and genuinely interested in learning about other traditions, cultures, and ways of seeing the world. Even when she didn’t agree or share the same beliefs or customs, she never judged. Instead, she listened with an open heart, with compassion and understanding. She always tried to find the good in people and to understand them. She had a beautiful gift of making everyone feel heard, respected and valued.

Laverne Frances Madigan entered the world on August 30, 1934, in Cook County Hospital, Chicago. Her parents were Dennis and Josephine (DeSmidt) Madigan. Both Dennis and Josephine were first-generation Americans; Dennis’ father came from Ireland to Philadelphia, where Dennis was born before the family moved to Chicago, and Josephine’s parents came from Belgium to Chicago.

Dennis and Josephine met in Chicago. In time, the couple had seven children: Laverne, Dennis, Karen, Terry, Larry, Tom, and Frances. An older girl, a half-sister named Joan, was raised by Josephine’s mother for most of Laverne’s childhood.

Joan went on to enter the Congregation, becoming known as Sister Frances Karen, but withdrew during her novitiate year in 1949.

The children attended St. Laurence School, where Adrian Dominican Sisters were their teachers. “I loved school and I loved the nuns,” Sister Fran said in her life story. “They were young, joyful people who, really and truly, you could tell they were happy,” and she enjoyed being around them and looked for ways to spend time with them.

Read more about Sister Frances (PDF)

Memorial gifts may be made to Adrian Dominican Sisters, 1257 East Siena Heights Drive, Adrian, MI, 49221. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Anderson-Marry Funeral Services, Adrian.

Sister's Memorial Card (PDF)

Vigil and Funeral Recordings

Note: To view recordings with closed captioning, they must be viewed on our public video library rather than through the links below.

Recording of Sister Fran's Vigil Service - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

Recording of Sister Fran's Funeral Mass - After clicking the link, download the recording by right-clicking on the video choosing "Save video as." Worship Aid (PDF)

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