Sister Mary Ann DeFrancesco, (Dominica Marie) of the Sisters of Mercy died unexpectedly on Monday,May 11, 2015 at her home in Madison. Born in Hartford on December 21, 1939 of the late Dominic and Theresa (Daversa) DeFrancesco and raised in New Britain, Sister “Dee” entered the Sisters of Mercy on September 2, 1957 and professed her vows on June 26, 1960. After receiving her B.A. degree from Diocesan Teachers College, Madison, Sister taught for 16 years in several parish elementary schools throughout the Hartford Archdiocese prior to transitioning into the ministries of Retreat and Spiritual Direction. She did advance studies at Holy Name College , CA and received Master’s degrees in both English and Pastoral ministry from St. Joseph College now University of St. Joseph in preparation. During her last two decades in ministry Sister Dee became Spiritual Director at various centers: Blessing Place in Louisiana, Francis House of Prayer New Jersey, Emmaus Spiritual Life Center, Uncasville, and Mercy Center at Madison.Before retirement she served as Pastoral Associate at Church of the Holy Family, Hebron and ministered tirelessly in Pastoral Care for Hospice in Southeastern CT. In retirement, Sister Dee volunteered countless hours of ministry to her Sisters in residence at St. Mary Home.Known to all as “Dee”, Sister was of that same informal, welcoming, comfortable and comforting disposition. Everyone who crossed Dee’s path was greeted with kind and encouraging words, giving of herself tirelessly in service to others. Love of Mercy Center and its environs, naturally drew Dee outdoors, to work the garden soil, to harvest its yield, to contemplate, to read and to practice her special gift, painting with acrylics. She abounded in creative talent, was attentive to both family and friends, planning funadventures, joyful ways to keep them close. Universally esteemed and loved by her sisters in Community Dee will be sorely missed. Sister Mary Ann is survived by her brothers Frank and husband Leon O’Hart, Michael and his wife Claire De Francesco , nephew Joseph, niece Andrea, several close cousins, and her community of the Sisters of Mercy especially Sisters Mary Daly and Ann McGovern with whom she lived.A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Monday at 6:00p.m., St. Mary Home, 2021 Albany Ave. West Hartford. Burial will take place on Tuesday at 9:00a.m. in St. Mary Cemetery. Those wishing to make a donation in Sister’s memory are asked to consider Sisters of Mercy, 55 E. Cedar St. Newington, CT06111. Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home has care of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com.