Amboise, Francise d' (1427–1485)

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Amboise, Francise d' (1427–1485)

French founder and duchess of Brittany. Born in 1427; died in 1485; daughter of Louis Amboise; married Peter II, duke of Brittany.

French noblewoman and founder, Francise d'Amboise was the daughter of the powerful lord Louis d'Amboise. Like many young nobles of her time, she longed to pursue a religious calling but was unable to escape a political marriage. Francise became duchess of Brittany when she married Duke Peter II. Despite the fact that she could not enter a convent, she managed to use her position to accomplish some of her religious goals. The duchess founded the first Carmelite monastery in Brittany; thus, she popularized that order, which led to its diffusion into other areas of northern France. Francise's keenly felt obligation to help feed and shelter the poor gained her a reputation for sincere piety. She died at about age 58, greatly respected for her charity.

Laura York , Anza, California

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