Sister Frances Roberts, formerly known as Sister Mary Raymond, died March 26, 2017, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence in Clarence. She was 99 years old.

She was born Dec. 14, 1917, in Buffalo, to George and Johanna (Jung) Roberts. She joined the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1937, made her final vows in 1943, and pursued education in the field of music. In 1950, she received a bachelor's degree in music at Marywood College in Scranton, Pa. She received a master's degree in the same field from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1961.

Early in her ministry, she served as a music supervisor at elementary schools staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Frances went on to teach at Mount St. Joseph Academy in Buffalo for 11 years, where she was a dedicated music instructor who specialized in piano, but also taught music theory, harmony and violin. She also directed the school's orchestra for 17 years, as well as musical programs for other schools.

In 1973, Sister Frances began serving at Fredonia State College, where she was a private music tutor and teacher until she retired in 1996. She also played at Masses held at area correctional facilities.

A memorial Mass was held in May at the sisters' residence in Clarence.