Sister Helen Frances "Fran" Winkler, OSF, 87, of the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, died April 23 at St. Francis Convent in Springfield.

Sister Fran, formerly known as Sister Don Bosco, was born in Trenton on Nov. 3, 1927, the daughter of Raymond and Anna Cope Winkler. She entered the congregation on March 31, 1943, and professed her religious vows on Oct. 4, 1945.

Sister Fran was a graduate of St. John's School of Nursing and St. John's School of Radiologic Technology in Springfield. She served as a nurse and X-Ray technician in various hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin. Sister Fran also served in several volunteer capacities and was one of the first volunteers at the St. Martin de Porres Center in Springfield when it opened in August 1992.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John R. Winkler and David C. Winkler; and one sister, Mary M. Shepard.

She is survived by two sisters, Sister Joan Winkler, OSF, and Ruth Schmitt, both of Springfield; a sister-in-law, Elizabeth Winkler of Great Britain; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as her Franciscan Sisters with whom she shared her life for more than 70 years.

A funeral Mass and Rite of Christian burial was held on April 28 in St. Clare of Assisi Adoration Chapel at St. Francis Convent, celebrated by Father John Sullivan, OFM. Burial was at Crucifixion Hill Cemetery.

The Franciscan Sisters and the family of Sister Helen Frances Winkler, OSF, were served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home in Springfield.