Sister Adella Gross, 94, died on February 17, 2025, at St. Francis Convent, Little Falls, Minn.
Adella Anna Gross was born in Little Falls, Minn., on December 9, 1930, to the late Peter and Anna (Weidenbach) Gross, the third of four children in the family. She grew up in Pierz, Minn., and attended St. Joseph School in Pierz and St. Francis High School in Little Falls. She joined the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls in 1947. She was a Franciscan Sister for 77 years. Following her profession of vows, she served as an educator, parish minister, missionary and coordinator in various parts of the country and Latin America.
Adella had a keen interest in, and desire to serve, those less fortunate or those in situations of injustice or exploitation. She worked on behalf of economic justice and human rights for a variety of groups but had a special love for the migrant farm workers and their difficult and unappreciated work. She coordinated Ministry to Migrants and Itinerant People for a number of years at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. She came to know and love families who worked in the circus and always delighted in meeting them “on the road.” She coordinated the publishing of a catechetical resource for those in the circus.
Adella loved her Franciscan vocation and was grateful for the many rich opportunities and many blessings her life in community had given her. She loved her family and enjoyed being in touch with them and took pride in their accomplishments.
Sister Adella was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Carl and Gary, sister Marie Dombovy, sisters-in-law Lorraine and Cel, and brother-in-law Anthony Dombovy. She is survived by her nieces, nephews, extended family and her Franciscan Community.
A Mass of Christian Burial took place at St. Francis Convent on Saturday, March 8, at 11 a.m.
Sister Adella's Memorial Video
