St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, established in 1897, is one of the oldest in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. It consists of 52acre, 45 of which are developed. Before 1969, the cemetery was run by the Order of St. Francis, under the Diocese of Tucson. However, following 1969 it became an independent cemetery and is now owned and run by the Diocese of Phoenix. Its inhabitants represent pioneer families, community and business leaders, miners, those who succumbed to tuberculosis, and others who helped write the history of Phoenix and Arizona. Margaret Geare of Dublin, Ireland, who was buried on Oct. 12, 1897, is believed to be the first to be buried in the cemetery. The cemetery is located at 2033 N. 48th Street.Notable intermentsMargaret Geare - Known as Mary and Marguerite was the first person buried in the cemetery. She was buried on Oct. 12, 1897.Hubert Geare - Husband of Margaret. Joseph Geare - Son of Hubert and Margaret who founded the Central Avenue Dairy on the land that is now Park Central Mall.Trinidad Escalante Swilling Shumaker - Known as the "Mother of Phoenix". Swilling Shumaker was the wife of Jack Swilling who is credited with being the founding father of Phoenix.Rose Perica Moffort - Moffort was Arizona’s first female Secretary of State and first female and 18th Governor of Arizona . Librado D. Cayco - Cayco was the first Ambassador of the Philippines to be assigned to Hague, Netherlands . A year later Cayco was recalled to the Home Office where he served as member of the Philippines cabinet in the capacity of Secretary of Foreign Affairs.
