gala 2004

The Francis Family
Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, CO

The Francis Family has had a connection to St. Cabrini, the Missionary Sisters, Queen of Heaven Orphanage and Mother Cabrini Shrine for over seventy years. Mother Aurelia hired Carl Francis to supervise all the daily operations and maintenance of Queen of Heaven Orphanage in 1930. He was a friend and father figure to many of the girls at the orphanage. Carl’s wife Elda and their family were an integral part of the work and ministry of the Missionary Sisters in Colorado. Carl worked for the Missionary Sisters until his death in 1984. Elda still works in the gift shop three days a week at the Shrine.

Tom Francis grew up as a brother to the girls in the orphanage often working alongside his father, Carl. Tom continued to work with his dad at the Shrine and then became care-taker and maintenance supervisor after Carl’s death. Tom also taught high school math for thirty years and retired from his teaching profession last year. He is now a full time staff member at the Shrine as Director of Grounds and Facilities. Along with his sense of humor, work ethic and loyalty, Tom has been dedicated to the mission of Mother Cabrini Shrine as he daily goes about the routine of making the Shrine a beautiful, peaceful place of pilgrimage and prayer. His creative energy has been the result of several fundraising projects at the Shrine. Tom is also very multi-tasked oriented and is very willing to give his assistance where needed.

Tom has two daughters: Betsy who lives in Forth Worth, TX and Becca who lives in Golden, CO.