1927 – 2017
NEW GLOUCESTER — Sister Evangeline Annie Carr, better known as Frances Ann Carr, passed into eternity Monday, Jan. 2, at her home (The Shaker Community) surrounded by her community and loved ones, following a very brief battle with cancer.
Sister was born in Lewiston on March 13, 1927, the sixth of seven children born to Herbert and Margaret (Rourke) Carr. Following the loss of her father, her mother placed Frances and her little sister, Ruth with the Shakers on Aug. 26, 1937. She attended Shaker School, where she graduated and was taught all of the arts and crafts that the Sisters were employed in, but these did not really interest her. Sister’s special talent and love was always the kitchen. She became head cook when she was 21 and served in that capacity for more than 50 years.
She officially joined the church May 11, 1948. Over the years, Sister assumed many duties and offices. She served as a caretaker for several young girls and always retained a love of children. She was appointed a trustee in 1988 and eldress in 1990. She served in both capacities until the time of her death.
Sister was a founding member and driving force behind the Friends of the Shakers. She was also a founding member of the United Society of Shakers, which incorporated our museum and library and served as its president until the time of her death.
Over the years, Sister Frances authored many articles and several books on the Shaker experience. She also lectured all over the country. She had a fine singing voice and was the driving force for a collaboration of the community with the Boston Camerata which produced two recordings and many public performances.
She was the public face of Shakerism for decades serving as our goodwill ambassador. Sister was interviewed by countless television and radio stations and was a part of many documentaries made about the Shakers. She had a natural and welcoming spirit that drew many people to her.
She had a deep interest in the welfare of children and the disadvantaged of all ages. She never turned anyone away who was in need. She always strived to live by the words of the Christ, “In as much as ye have done it to the least of these ye have done it unto me.”
Her passing leaves a large hole in our life and our hearts, but also draws us closer to God, knowing that she is with Him.
She was predeceased by her parents and all of her siblings.
She is survived by her community members as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was particularly close to her nieces, Linda (Carr) Harmon, Wendy (Carr) Furlong and Frances (Yeaton) Riley, whom she was proud to have helped raise.
The community wishes to thank all those who helped our Sister in her last illness, especially Linda Harmon and the staff of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.
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