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Francie Eiland has spent most of her life in Louisiana, but her journey has taken her through a variety of communities, careers, and experiences before leading her to St. Margaret’s. A lifelong Episcopalian, Francie grew up in the small town of Delhi, Louisiana, where faith and family were important parts of everyday life. She later attended LSU, graduating in 1992 before moving to Monroe to begin her career as an elementary school teacher.

After teaching in Monroe for two years, Francie returned to Baton Rouge to accept a position at Trinity Episcopal Day School. That move would shape much of her professional and spiritual life for decades to come. Over the course of a 27-year career in education, she taught countless students while remaining deeply connected to the Episcopal tradition. During those years, she worshiped through the Episcopal community at Trinity and also attended St. Alban’s.

Today, Francie calls Baton Rouge home and has lived here for more than 30 years. Although she officially retired from teaching, she was not ready to slow down. In 2024, she embarked on an entirely new adventure, beginning work as a corporate flight attendant. She says she loves her job and especially appreciates the flexibility it provides. The role allows her to combine her enjoyment of travel with opportunities to meet new people and experience new places.

Family remains at the center of Francie’s life. She is the proud mother of her daughter, Mary Madeline Gusky, who is 26 and currently living in Monroe while pursuing her doctorate in Occupational Therapy at ULM. Francie and Mary Madeline enjoy spending weekends together whenever possible, and Francie is excited that her daughter plans to return to Baton Rouge after completing her studies next year.

Sharing Francie’s home is Mack, an adopted Siamese kitten who has quickly become a beloved companion. Between visits with her daughter, time with friends and family, and caring for Mack, Francie stays plenty busy. She also enjoys cooking, decorating, traveling, and attending Barre fitness classes.

Francie began attending St. Margaret’s in September 2024 after hearing wonderful things about both the parish and Fr. Tommy. As a lifelong Episcopalian, she was looking for a church home where she could continue growing in faith while becoming part of an active and welcoming community. She quickly found exactly that.

One of the first things that stood out to Francie was the warmth of the congregation. She describes St. Margaret’s as a friendly and welcoming church family and says she has thoroughly enjoyed getting to know everyone. She has become involved with the Altar Guild, a ministry she finds especially meaningful as she contributes behind the scenes to the worship life of the parish.

What continues to impress her most about St. Margaret’s is the energy and vision she sees throughout the church. Francie is amazed by the many ministries and programs offered at St. Margaret’s and appreciates the forward-thinking spirit that keeps new ideas and opportunities emerging each year. She believes the church is a truly special place and says her faith has been strengthened by the sense of community and love she has experienced here.

When asked how she would like to be remembered someday, Francie’s answer reflects values that have guided her throughout her life: kind, helpful, hardworking, and faithful. Those qualities shine through in her years of service as an educator, her willingness to embrace a new career, her devotion to family, and her commitment to her church community.

If you have not yet met Francie, introduce yourself. Ask her about her years teaching, her adventures as a corporate flight attendant, her daughter’s doctoral studies, or Mack the Siamese kitten. You’ll quickly discover why she has become such a valued part of the St. Margaret’s family.