Franciscan Sister Adella Anna Gross, 94, died Feb. 17, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at St. Francis Convent. Friends may call at St. Francis Convent on March 8 from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral. Mass will be livestreamed on YouTube: youtube.com/@FSLFvideos.
The third of four children of Peter and Anna (Weidenbach) Gross, she was born Dec. 9, 1930, in Little Falls. She grew up in Pierz and attended St. Joseph School in Pierz and St. Francis High School in Little Falls. She joined the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls in 1947. She was a Franciscan Sister for 77 years.
Following her profession of vows, Sister Adella served as an educator, parish minister, missionary and coordinator in various parts of the country and Latin America.
She had a keen interest in and desire to serve those less fortunate or those in situations of injustice or exploitation. She worked on behalf of economic justice and human rights for a variety of groups but had a special love for migrant farm workers. She coordinated Ministry to Migrants and Itinerant People for many years at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She also came to know and love families who worked in the circus and coordinated the publishing of a catechetical resource for those in the circus.
Sister Adella was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Carl and Gary, sister Marie Dombovy, sisters-in-law Lorraine and Cel, and brother-in-law Anthony Dombovy. She is survived by her nieces, nephews, extended family and her Franciscan Community.
Donations to Franciscan Sisters ministries preferred.