Hilo-born Sister of St. Francis was a woman of many gifts
Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities Helen Agnes Ignacio, a woman of many talents and a quick wit, went home to God on Jan. 25, at the Plaza in Kaneohe after a lengthy illness. She was 91 and a Franciscan for 72 years.
In 2018, reflecting on her life as a Sister of St. Francis on the occasion of her 70th anniversary in religious life, she wrote about her return to her hometown of Hilo in 1972, after teaching assignments on the Mainland.
“For 18 years, I taught at St. Joseph High School, sometimes teaching my classmates’ children and grandchildren, and caring for my aging mother,” she said.
Former students and colleagues will attest to her excellence as an English, French and religion teacher.
Sister Helen Agnes was easily recognizable in her traditional habit and gingham aprons.
Besides teaching, she enriched chapel liturgies and services as the convent organist.
Sister Helen Agnes was born in Hilo on Oct. 29, 1929, to Manuel and Florence Wallace Ignacio. Her baptismal name was Elizabeth Angeline.
She attended St. Joseph Elementary and High Schools in Hilo before transferring to St. Francis School in Manoa. After graduating in 1947, she entered the Sisters of the Third Franciscan Order in Syracuse, New York.
She celebrated her 70th jubilee as a Franciscan in 2018.
Sister Helen Agnes received a bachelor of science degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a master of science degree from the University of Hawaii.
She ministered at schools in New York and California. In Hawaii she taught at Sacred Heart School, Lahaina, St. Francis Convent School, Honolulu, and St. Joseph High School, Hilo. Sister also taught at Maria Regina College in Syracuse.
From 1990 to 1995 she was the administrator of her order’s Suore Francescane Pensione in Rome overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City.
“There I learned basic Italian and how to work within Italian business and government practices and ethics,” she recalled. “Alas, I fell victim to pickpockets.”
Her sense of humor and quick wit enlivened her interactions and were prominent when she was featured on local television host Pamela Young’s Mixed Plate TV show on location in Rome.
Her remaining years in ministry were spent in parent ministry, community service, and as an administrative aide at the Franciscan Adult Day Center.
Sister was predeceased by her parents, her sister Marguerite (Francis) Carvalho and her brothers Lawrence and Henry Ignacio. She is survived by her brother Gordon (Julie) Ignacio of Hilo, several nieces and nephews, grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Sister is also survived by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.
Funeral arrangements provided by Diamond Head Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, 2102 Liliha Street, Honolulu, HI 96817.
