Sr. Mary Francis Houin

‘Come Home Good and Faithful Servant.’ Sister Mary Francis Houin, PHJC, 82, died at 1:45 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2001, in the Catherine Kasper Home, at the Community of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Donaldson, Ind. The daughter of Francis and Frances Smith Houin, Sister Mary Francis was born in Plymouth, Ind., on Nov. 23, 1918. She entered the convent on June 26, 1937, and professed her first vows on June 25, 1939. After earning a B.S. in Education, Sister Mary Francis traveled the world evangelizing. As a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ, Sister was likened to St. Paul: she served in many mission fields, including Africa. Sister was a parochial school elementary teacher for over 40 years and then was the administrator of Beacon House (House of Prayer) in Burlington, Iowa, until her retirement in May of 1998. Surviving her death are three sisters and three brothers. Her sisters are Irene Wenzel, N. Liberty, Ind., Catherine Haeck, Plymouth, Ind., and Theresa Anderson and her husband, Lloyd, Plymouth. Her brothers are: Bernard Houin and his wife, Betty, Argos: Lawrence Houin and his wife, Frances, and Leo Houin and his wife, Marilyn, all of Plymouth. A sister-in-law Pauline Houin of Plymouth also survives, along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Sister was preceded in death by two brothers Elmer and Carl.

Friends may call at the Catherine Kasper Home to celebrate the life of Sister Mary Francis on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2001, from 4:30 to 9 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001, at the Catherine Kasper Home. Father Edward Konerman, S.J. and Father Anthony Gillespie will officiate. Interment will be in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Donaldson, Indiana.