Obituary of Sister Mary Agnes Cross, OSF
Joliet Franciscan Sister Mary Agnes Cross died peacefully on September 17, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville, Illinois. She was a compassionate LPN, enthusiastic teacher, generous volunteer and a cherished member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate. Sister Mary Agnes made her profession of vows in 1959 and believed that her life was a call to express Franciscan joy and hospitality to everyone, no matter where she was missioned to serve.
Sister Mary Agnes was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on May 7, 1939, to the late Agnes (Hoffman) and Frank Cross. She is survived by her twin brother, Joseph Cross, sister-in-law, Ada Cross, nephew, Michael Cross, many relatives and friends who will miss her deeply and remember her fondly.
Sister Mary Agnes attended St. Francis of Assisi Elementary School, St. Louis, Missouri, and in 1956 graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School, St. Louis, Missouri. She received a BA in history and education (1967) Marillac College, Normandy, Missouri, and an MA in religion and education (1975) St. Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri. Sister Mary Agnes received her LPN license (1995) from the State of Illinois after completing the requirements of the School of Practical Nursing, Joliet Township High School Adult Education, District #204. She was certified for Person-Centered Care (2004) and Dementia Care Mapping (2005), University Hospitals Health System-Heather Hill, Chardon, Ohio. Sister Mary Agnes was a registered LPN in Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.
Her professional ministries included: Elementary School Teacher (1960-1973), Director of Religious Education (1974-1988), Ministry to the Elderly (1988-1995), and L.P.N. (1995 –2014), volunteer at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home (2014-2023) where she offered supportive services and pastoral care to the residents and their families. In retirement, she continued her ministry of prayer and presence at Heritage Woods, Minooka, Illinois and St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville, Illinois.
Sister Mary Agnes especially enjoyed being the Unit Assistant for Memory and Aging Services at Heather Hill in Chardon, Ohio. She worked with Dementia Care Services at the Dolan Center where most of the residents suffered with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She would often say that when person-centered care is a reality, those dealing with memory issues have so much to offer. Her strengths of compassion and caring brought the residents joy.
Visitation for Sister Mary Agnes Cross will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 404 North Hickory Street, Friday, September 27, 2024, followed by the Mass for Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Remembrances and committal will take place at approximately 12:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W. Romeo Rd. Romeoville, IL 60446. All are invited to attend.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of Sister Mary Agnes Cross or another Joliet Franciscan Sister, please send your memorial to the Sisters of St. Francis of Mary Immaculate, 1433 Essington Road, Joliet, IL, 60435.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500, or to leave an online condolence, visit her Memorial Tribute page at www.fredcdames.com
