Obituary: Sr. Constance Gaynor, FSP

Sister Constance Gaynor, a founding member of the Franciscan Sisters of Peace, died after seven decades of service as a social worker, administrator, and author.

Born Mary Constance Gaynor in Brooklyn on May 10, 1927, she was the daughter of Julia and John Hubert Gaynor. She attended Ladycliff Academy, run by the Franciscan Sisters, for 13 years, graduating from college there in 1948. Although she felt called to religious life during her college years, she completed her education at her family's request before entering the congregation.

During her ministry, Sister Connie led children's homes and directed the Religious Leaders Program at the University of Notre Dame. She also taught English to immigrants into her 90s and wrote the history of her religious congregation.