Frances Gussenhoven Obituary

August 31, 1930 - July 14, 2024 Sr. Frances Gussenhoven, age 93, a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary for 76 years, died July 14, 2024 at Regina Residence in Orange, California. Frances was born in Pasadena, California on August 31, 1930 to Doris and Charles Gussenhoven. A life-long learner, Frances completed her Bachelor's degree at Marymount College, Los Angeles, and advanced degrees at Stanford, Oxford and the University of Calcutta as a Fullbright Scholar.
Frances attended Marymount High School, Los Angeles and entered the RSHM Novitiate in Tarrytown, NY in 1946. Frances taught elementary and secondary school in Tarrytown, New York, and was missioned to California in 1949 where she first taught at Marymount High School, Los Angeles. In 1952 she served as a high school educator and administrator at Corvallis High School in Studio City, California for seventeen years. For four decades, Frances ministered at Loyola Marymount University as a beloved professor of English, and after retirement, served as assistant director of the LMU Ignatian Spirituality Center. At LMU, she touched the lives of many students with her intelligence, wit, love of learning and kindness. Frances' RSHM sisters knew her for her gentle, considerate presence in community and her deep spirituality and profound faith.
One of eleven children, Frances is predeceased by her parents and siblings, Geraldine, Bill, Donald, Donald Clair, Paul, Mary, Susan, Loretta, Louise and Carolyn. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, her RSHM Sisters and many friends.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, August 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel, Loyola Marymount University. Graveside Service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Culver City, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, 441 N. Garfield Avenue, Montebello, CA 90640.