In Memoriam – Mary Frances Rhodenizer
The Legion of Honor mourns the loss of past staff member Mary Frances Rhodenizer, who passed away on July 18, 2023, at 83 years old. Mary Frances was a beloved member of the Sigma Nu staff family, providing nearly 40 years of dedicated service to the Fraternity through her retirement in 2006.
Mary Frances was hired to work at Sigma Nu’s Headquarters office on April 1, 1959, shortly after the Fraternity’s return to Lexington and the opening of the headquarters facility in 1958. Also among the early Lexington staff members was Mary Frances’ sister, Ida H. Paxton, who served the Fraternity for over 47 years as an administrative and executive assistant until her passing in 2005.
Mary Frances started her service to the Legion of Honor as a Recorder, processing the Fraternity’s archival records and keeping track of pledge and initiation cards. Later, she assumed the role of Accounts Receivable Clerk, overseeing the Fraternity’s processing of incoming payments.
“Mary Frances was one of the sweetest people you would ever meet,” said Wendy Hession, Sigma Nu’s Director of Accounting and Human Resources. “Her smile was infectious. She had a pure heart full of love and understanding.”
“Together with Ida, Yvonne Fox, Margaret Davis, and Peggy Wilhelm, Mary Frances created a legacy for our staff family. We are indebted to Mary Frances and will forever miss her. She will be remembered as a true and faithful member of our staff family and a caring friend and supporter with a great sense of humor. We extend our deepest condolences to her wonderful family, especially to her husband Herb, daughter Stephanie, and granddaughter Sydney,” said Brad Beacham, Sigma Nu’s Executive Director.