Frances George was a gospel singer who touched the hearts and souls of thousands, both here in Fairfield and elsewhere. On Friday afternoon, she died at Bridgeport Hospital following years of declining health. She was 79.
Frances shared her music ministry with the Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University communities, during Masses and other services, and on retreats. For many years, her rich, powerful voice even brought hope and salvation to inmates of the Bridgeport Correctional Center.
Its a loss. She was a joy-filled, powerful voice of God, an inspiration in my life, both professionally and personally, said Jeff McHugh, the dean of students at Fairfield Woods Middle School and a long-time friend and musical colleague.
McHugh, who plays the banjo and sings, and his wife, Patty, perform once a month at the Sunday worship service at Sacred Heart. Frances was an integral part of their group. From the late 1970s into the early 1990s, they also joined Frances, the Rev. Bill Sangiovanni and a few others for services at the jail. George also taught Black History at Notre Dame High School, Fairfield Prep and at other parochial schools in the Diocese of Bridgeport.
At Fairfield University, a Jesuit priest, who had not yet experienced Georges musical gifts, was blown away by the strength of her voice. During the middle of the service, he just stopped and looked at her and said, Who are you and where did you come from? McHugh related. Frances responded with a few details and concluded, Im just here doing the Lords work.
Survivors include her sisters, Margaret George Todd, Mary Lorraine George, a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence the first sustained order of religious women of African descent -- and Catherine Ann George; her brothers, John and Peter George; a sister-in-law, Marlene George; and many nieces, nephews and godchildren.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, May 8, at 10 a.m., at St. Ambrose Church, 1596 Boston Ave., Bridgeport. Friends are invited to call on Friday, from 6-9 p.m., at St. Ambrose Church. Arrangements are being handled by Parente-Lauro Funeral Home, 559 Washington Ave., Bridgeport.
The McHughs will be among those playing music at the Mass. She asked us, no, Frances kind of told us to do the music at her funeral, Jeff said. She even picked out the music for us.
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