Sister Francella Quinn entered the Sisters of Saint Joseph as a student at Nazareth College. She was a teacher and administrator in the Diocese of Rochester for 58 years.

She also worked for the Rochester City School District in the New York State Workforce Retraining Program at Delco Products and the RCSD Adult Education Program. During her work with the latter program, she was named the Adult Education Teacher of the Year. When she “retired,” Sister Francella was a teacher and consultant for the Victor Central School District, where she helped students seeking an alternative high-school diploma.

“Each of my assignments was fulfilling and happy despite some hardships,” she said. “Hardships were encountered when a school closed or lost a child to terminal illness or serious accidents, but I also had experienced great moments when I risked my life to rescue three students from their burning home during lunch hour, witnessing students become successful in their careers, and receiving visits and messages from students who are now adults.”

She also has volunteered for 43 years at Camp Good Days and Special Times, a camp for children and adults with cancer and life-threatening challenges. She calls the experience life changing.

“I witness God giving strength to those needing faith in their God each day to have courage to live each day to the fullest in His love and mercy,” she said.

Currently, Sister Francella is ministering at the diocesan Catholic Schools Office in records retention and disposition as well as volunteering at Nazareth Elementary School.