Sister Mary Frances Ambs, IHM, (formerly known as Sister M. Frances Cabrini) of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Sunday, March 14, 2021, at Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She was born on November 9, 1932, in Dushore, PA; and given the name Patricia. She was the daughter of the late Frank and Emma Bahl Ambs. She entered the IHM Congregation on September 8, 1950, and made her temporary profession of vows on August 2, 1953, and her final profession of vows on August 2, 1956.
Sister Mary Frances served as a teacher at the following schools: St. Agnes Elementary School in Lock Haven, PA, from 1953 to 1955; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Elementary School in Altoona, PA, from 1955 to 1959; St. Rosalia Elementary School in Pittsburgh, PA, from 1959 to 1963; St. Agnes Elementary School in Baltimore, MD, from 1963 to 1968; St. Mary Elementary School in Manhasset, NY, from 1968 to 1971; Epiphany Elementary School in Sayre, PA, from 1971 to 1976; St. Cecilia Elementary School in Exeter, PA, in 1977; Nativity Elementary School in Scranton, PA, from 1977 to 1985; and St. John the Evangelist Elementary School in Binghamton, NY, from 1985 to 2010.
From 2010 until the time of her death, Sister Mary Frances served as a prayer minister at the IHM Center and Our Lady of Peace Residence in Scranton.
She received a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Marywood College.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Francis and Joseph; and two sisters, Mary Zeigler and Agnes Bayait. She is survived by nieces and nephews; and by the members of the IHM Congregation.
Interment will be at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Moscow, PA. Due to restrictions related to the coronavirus, the funeral mass and graveside service are private. Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
