Sr. Helen Frances Winkler, O.S.F.

Sister Helen Frances "Fran" Winkler, OSF, 87, of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, died on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 4:25 p.m. at St. Francis Convent, Springfield, IL. Sister Fran, formerly known as Sister Don Bosco, was born in Trenton, IL on November 3, 1927, the daughter of Raymond and Anna Cope Winkler. She entered the Congregation on March 31, 1943, and professed her religious vows on October 4, 1945. Sister Fran was a graduate of St. John's School of Nursing and St. John's School of Radiologic Technology, Springfield, IL. She served as a nurse and X-Ray technician in various hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. Sister Fran also served in several volunteer capacities and was one of the first volunteers at the St. Martin de Porres Center in Springfield, IL, when it opened in August, 1992. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John R. Winkler and David C. Winkler; and one sister, Mary M. Shepard. She is survived by two sisters, Sister Joan Winkler, OSF and Ruth Schmitt, both of Springfield, IL; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Winkler of Great Britain; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared her life for more than 70 years. Visitation: A visitation will be held at St. Francis Convent from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015, with a Wake Service at 6:00 p.m. The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 in St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Convent, celebrated by Father John Sullivan, OFM. Burial will follow at Crucifixion Hill Cemetery.