Elizabeth Theresa, the fifth of seven children of John Collins and Elizabeth Esther Beavin Spalding, was born in Bardstown, Ky., on October 21, 1918. She began her journey with baptism at St. Thomas Church five days later. The Spalding home was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and all the family names were entered below the picture. When a new member was added to the family, the mother held the baby’s hand, and helped add his/her name to the list. Daily Mass was an important part of the family life.
In September 1925, Elizabeth began her formal education at St. Thomas School, Bardstown, and obtained her secondary education at Bethlehem Academy, Bardstown. Both schools were staffed by the Sisters of Charity, Nazareth, Ky. In September 1937, Theresa enrolled in MSJ Junior College for two years.
In February 1940, Theresa entered the MSJ novitiate to begin preparation for a life as an Ursuline Educator. (Her sister, Sister Marie, had entered in 1937, in spite of the fact that an older sister, Sister Jane Miriam, was a Sister of Charity, which was near their home.) Theresa was invested, and received the name Sister Frances Miriam on August 14, 1940. Sister continued her education at Brescia College and in St. Louis during the summer months until 1955, when she earned her A.B. at Fontbonne College and a master’s degree at St. Louis University in 1964.
In September 1943, just after professing temporary vows, Sister was missioned to St. Frances School, Loretto, Ky., as primary teacher for two years. Other places she served were public and parochial schools in Glennonville, Mo., and in Owensboro, Paducah, Sorgho, Hodgenville, Fredericktown and Lebanon, Ky. Sixteen of these years were in the position of full-time principal.
In 1981, Sister was asked to serve the MSJ Community Sisters as local superior in charge of transportation. She remained in this position for four years. In 1985, she opted for a change in ministry. From 1985-1996 she served in parish ministry in Marion, Sturgis, Henshaw and Eddyville, Ky. In August 1996, she moved to Benton, Ky., doing outreach work until 2003. At that time Sister Frances Miriam moved back to Mount Saint Joseph to be the Activities Director at Saint Joseph Villa. She retired from active ministry in 2007. Sister Frances Miriam passed away on May 9, 2013 and her funeral Mass was May 13, 2013.