Sr. Mary Francello Orth

Sister Mary Francello (Agnes Barbara) Orth was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 7, 1926, to Fidel and Barbara Orth. She was the second oldest of four children. Her parents’ nurturing and strong faith created a loving environment for her family.She attended St. Mary of the Assumption Elementary School in Alexandria, Kentucky, where she was taught by the Sisters of Notre Dame. At an early age Agnes felt drawn towards a religious vocation. She decided to become an aspirant at St. Joseph Heights and attend Notre Dame Academy. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame and graduated from Notre Dame Academy in 1944. Sister professed her first vows on August 13, 1946.Sister Francello received her BA from Villa Madonna College and her MA in Education from Xavier University. She started her ministry teaching the primary grades in the Diocese of Covington, Cincinnati, and Birmingham, Alabama. Later, she also ministered as principal in several of these schools. She will be remembered by many as one of the pioneers in teaching the visually impaired at Mother of God School, Covington and Sacred Heart School in Bellevue, Kentucky. She helped students to read and write Braille, giving them more independence and opportunities. After sixty-two years in education, sister retired but continued her community service to the Sisters of Notre Dame as sacristan in Lourdes Hall Chapel, assistant for the activities program, sewing, and the Apostolate of Prayer.Sr. Francello can best be characterized by her smile and warm-heartedness that touched all whom she met. She will be forever remembered for her gentle and loving ways.Sister is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Sister Mary Wilfrid Orth, SND, and her brother Carl Orth. She leaves behind her other brother, Anthony Orth, and many nieces and nephews.Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 9, 2018, at the Provincial Center, followed by the Wake Service at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 7:00 p.m. in the convent chapel.   Interment will be held after the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 in the convent cemetery. Memorials are suggested to: Sisters of Notre Dame 1601 Dixie Highway, Park Hills, KY 41011