Sister Mary Francella Schaapveld

June Marie Schaapveld was born to Benjamin John Schaapveld and Mary Elizabeth Spannagel Schaapveld, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 12, 1930. Sister was the youngest of three children. Her two older brothers were: Leonard and Glenn Schaapveld. Sister's family experienced the sorrows of the depression along with many other families. Through faith and long hard work, they had a happy home and shared the joys of celebrating special events together. Between home and schools, conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, she loved people, and experienced from an early age a deepening sense of faith and a spirit of joy. Sister's earliest education was at Sacred Heart elementary school, Oklahoma City, OK. She attended high School at Mount St. Mary's Academy in Oklahoma City, OK. Sister received a B.S. in Education at St. Mary's College in Xavier, Kansas, a M.S. in Education at Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio, Texas, and a Master's in theology at St. Mary's University, San Antonio, Texas and Certified Pastoral Chaplain at the Ecumenical Center for Religion and Health, San Antonio, Texas.Sister Francella entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 7, 1948 at Webster Groves, MO and made her profession of final religious vows on August 16, 1954. In 1951 she began her teaching career and taught for 26 years, seventeen of which she was principal and counselor for her many beloved students. Sister taught in Oklahoma City including Immaculate Conception, St. Joseph, Sacred Heart, and John Carroll. She also taught at St Benedict School in Shawnee, OK. She was the Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools/ Religious Education in 1977 to 1979 in Oklahoma City. Sister was awarded The Outstanding Educator in 1977 by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. She was later missioned to Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City in 1979 where she enjoyed working in many areas including In-service Education, TV studio Co­ Ordinator, Director of Pastoral Services, Chaplaincy Mercy Ministry Services and serving on the Mercy Health Center Board.Following her retirement in 2017, Sister was very active in her faithful ministry of prayer. She enjoyed gathering with her family often, sharing birthdays, and many happy events with her many nieces and nephews. She was an enthusiastic Thunder basketball fan, she enjoyed playing cards, 'Words with Friends' and Facetime with family.Throughout her life Sister loved her family, many friends, Community members, Mercy Associates, and Co­ workers. Sister was loved by her students and many remained in contact with her after retirement. She loved visiting with everyone, sharing conversations and stories that brought joy to all. Her kindness and caring touched everyone she knew. She truly lived out the maxims of Catherine McAuley, foundress of Sisters of Mercy and St. Francis of Assisi, her patron saint.She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Leonard and sister-in-law Edna; her brother Glenn and sister-in-law Faye; her grandnieces, Lory Dunn, and Lacy Smith. Immediate survivors include her many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins and their families, Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Associates, Co-workers, friends, former students, compassionate physicians, and caregivers.Memorials may be extended to Mount St. Mary's Catholic High School, 2801 South Shartel Avenue, Oklahoma City 73109-2238.Viewing will be at the funeral home from 2-5pm on Sunday, June 21, 2020. Private Christian burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery at 1pm on Monday, June 22, 2020. Memorial service was held at Mercy Health Center Convent, OKC. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a future date. Celebrant: Father John Baptist Sseruwu.