+ Sister Elizabeth Francis Brisson, OP

Sister Elizabeth Francis Brisson, OP, a dedicated member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 80 years, entered into eternal life on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 97 at Saint Catherine of Siena Healthcare Center, Caldwell, NJ. 

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, a Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 AM at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. Graveside services followed at Gethsemane Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds. The Mass livestream can be viewed here. 

Sister Elizabeth Francis lived a life of service, education and leadership. She was a woman of deep faith and compassion, a gifted teacher and administrator. The daughter of Francis R. and Elizabeth M. (Labby) Brisson, Sister was born in Elizabeth, NJ. She entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on August 30, 1944, received the habit on September 3, 1945, made her first profession on September 4, 1946, and final profession on September 4, 1952.

Sister earned her AB degree in English with a minor in education from Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College), Caldwell, NJ. With this degree, Sister Elizabeth Francis began her educational career teaching elementary grade students for 9 years in St. Venantius School, Orange, NJ. For 25 years, Sister taught English and mathematics in junior high classrooms in various schools, including at St. Paul School, Irvington, NJ; Holy Spirit School, Asbury Park, NJ; St. Elizabeth School, Linden, NJ; and St. John School, Jersey City, NJ. Sister Elizabeth Francis also served in administration for 13 years as principal at Our Lady of Peace School, New Providence, NJ, and St. Mary Grade School, Rutherford, NJ, and assistant principal in St. John School, Jersey City, NJ. In her later ministry, she served as social service director at Siena Village in Wayne, NJ, where her care and compassion touched the lives of countless residents. With a steadfast commitment to faith and community, Sister Elizabeth Francis shaped generations through her dedication to teaching and leadership. Her legacy is a testament to the power of service rooted in faith and a reflection of the enduring values of the Caldwell Dominican community.

Sister Elizabeth Francis is predeceased by her parents, Francis and Elizabeth, her brothers Robert, John, James, Francis, Richard, and Charles; and her sister, Catherine Thompson. She is survived by her sister, Monica Ruff, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Sisters of Saint Dominic, One Ryerson Avenue, Caldwell, NJ 07006 would be appreciated. Condolences, memories and photos may be left at www.proutfuneralhome.com