Obituary: Brandmeir, Sr. Patricia (M. Anthony Francis), Snjm
Age 86
The four boys and four girls were later joined by two more daughters, all born in Seattle, Washington.
Patricia graduated from Holy Names Academy Elementary and High School before joining the Sisters of the Holy Names in 1945 at Marylhurst, Oregon.
A lifelong learner, she earned a B.S.
in Education, a M.Ed.
in School Administration from Eastern Washington University, an Associate degree in General Business, an Associate degree in Accounting, and advanced study in Theology from Gonzaga University’s CREDO Program.
Sister Patricia, known as Sister M. Anthony Francis, began her teaching career in 1948 and continued that very successful ministry until 1975 in Catholic Schools in Portland, Salem, Uniontown, Spokane, Seattle and Everett.
Letters of appreciation from former students mention that learning self-discipline and self-confidence gave them tools for life, in addition to the discovery that math and science could be fun!
Sister changed careers in 1977, working in the accounting office at Fort Wright College, then becoming the business Manager at Holy Names Academy in Seattle.
In 1983, Sister Patricia was hired to assist in the Finance Office of the Diocese of Santa Rosa in California.
In 1986, she was appointed Vice Chancellor and Assistant Finance Director of the Santa Rosa Diocese, a position she fulfilled with competence and joy until 1999.
She returned to Spokane in 2002 to offer service within her religious community in the Archives Office.
Sister Patricia often expressed gratitude for having parents who valued education and their faith, and who transferred those values to their children.
She treasured her brothers and sisters, remembering that, as children, they could always find someone with whom to play board games or join in other entertainment.
Even in her early years, Patricia was seen as a leader among her peers, and she enjoyed being an excellent athlete.
Always very careful with her words, she valued communication that was clear and accurate, not open to misunderstanding.
Much to the delight of those around her, she also employed her vast vocabulary in clever witty stories and sayings.
Throughout her life, she honored tradition, learning, travel, excellence.
Sister was the recipient of the 1997 Founder’s Award from the National Scrip Center for outstanding leadership and professionalism in support of Community Education-the perfect award for her!
Sister Patricia’s deep spirituality helped her to cope graciously with the increasing limitations caused by Parkinson’s disease, never losing her characteristic dignity.
She is survived by her siblings, Robert and James Brandmeir of California, Rita Mae Daubenspeck of Seattle and Kathleen Hartmann of California, her nieces and nephews, and by the Sisters of the Holy Names.
Sister died March 4, 2014, in Spokane, Washington.
Mass of Resurrection will be at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, March 6, 2014, at Convent of the Holy Names with Interment at 9:30 a.m., Friday, March 7, 2014, at Holy Cross Cemetery, Spokane, Washington.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names Retirement Fund, 2911 West Fort Wright Drive, Spokane, WA 99224.