Sister Jane Frances Brna, OSF

June 14, 1922 - January 24, 1983

Sister Sister Jane Frances (Margaret) Brna, a member of the School Sisters of St. Francis, died on January 24, 1983, in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 60 and in her 41st year of religious life.

Margaret was born to Joseph and Theresa (Ferencik) Brna on June 14, 1922, in Stockdale, Pa. She entered the community in 1941, professing first vows in 1942 and final vows in 1948, all at Mount Assisi Convent in Pittsburgh, Pa. Sister held a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Mount Mercy College (now Carlow University) in Pittsburgh.

Sister Jane Frances began her teaching ministry in 1942 at St. Mark school in McKees Rocks, Pa. From 1946 to 1957, she taught mathematics and Spanish at our former Mount Assisi Academy in Pittsburgh. Stricken by multiple sclerosis as a young adult, Sister scaled back her teaching as the disease progressed in the late 1950s. She continued to serve as the school librarian from 1957 to 1961, when she became confined to a wheelchair. Even as her illness worsened, she remained active in prayer ministry.

Sister is remembered by her religious community as a happy, pleasant soul who retained her beautiful smile even in her pain. During her long illness, she learned to accept her cross, often saying, “I don’t like this sickness, but if that’s what God wants of me, I accept his Holy Will.” 

“I recall her cane, her wheelchair, her bed — the gradual progression of her illness,” one Sister remembers. “In spite of this setback, she displayed a sense of humor, an interest in the human — playfulness as well as prayerfulness — and desire to be with the Lord. She radiated a certain joyful spirit against the background of helplessness.” 

No matter how she felt, Sister Jane Frances remained committed to attending all community gatherings — religious and social — and exhibited a courageous spirit of faith, love and true Franciscan joy.

“In her life she was the Sister, the powerhouse of prayer, sparkplug of the community, lover of life, patient bearer of the cross,” another Sister elegantly wrote. “We will miss her, but I’m sure her presence will always be felt. Her life instills in us a prayerful zeal, equally fervent love and dedication to our community, and a sense of joy and humor.  

Sister Jane Frances is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa.