Jun. 18, 1935 – Nov. 1, 2019

Sister Blanche was born in Brooklyn, New York. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis at the age of 21 and attended Maria Regina College in Syracuse, New York. She earned her AAS degree and went on to continue her education at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

Sister Blanche began ministering in the field of education, teacher at St. Matthew School and the Franciscan Academy in Syracuse. Her teaching career ended when she suffered a traumatic hearing loss which left her completely Deaf. She continued to serve God and her community, taking on general household duties and clerical work, as well as serving as an assistant librarian at two central New York Catholic schools and Maria Regina College.

In 1974, Sister Blanche took up the cause for the beatification of Mother Marianne Cope. She continued to promote the cause through Mother’s canonization in 2004. Her hearing partially restored by a cochlear implant; Sister Blanche then taught visitors at the Mother Marianne Shrine.

Sister Blanche will be remembered for her intelligence, her deep spirituality, and her devotion to St. Marianne.

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Oct. 12, 1929 – Oct. 16, 2019

The third oldest of 12 children, Sister Mary Elise Finnigan graduated from St. Nicholas Academy (North Java, New York) in 1947 and entered the Sisters of St. Francis the following year.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in education from Mount St. Joseph Teachers College, now Medaille College, Sister Elise taught for 30 years in elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo, among them Holy Name School and St. Francis of Assisi School in Buffalo, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Silver Creek, St. Nicholas School in North Java, and Our Lady of Pompeii School in Lancaster.

After four years as a teacher and principal at Most Holy Redeemer School in Buffalo, Sister Elise entered a new ministry. She became a nurses’ aide, serving at St. Mary’s Manor in Niagara Falls and St. Mary of the Angels in Williamsville. In 1982, Sister embarked on a third career as director of activities at St. Francis Home and Holy Family Home and assisted with activities at the Regional House, all in Williamsville. For two years, she was the director of Brother Leo’s Spirituality Center in Fairfield, Pennsylvania.

This teacher, principal, nurse’s aide, and facility manager was known for her Irish smile and ready wit. In 2002, she was named Holy Family Home Volunteer of the Year at the 25th annual conference of the Western New York Association of Homes and Services for the Aging.

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Born in Virginia, Sister Raphael became a Sister of St. Francis at the age of 27. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from LeMoyne College, a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Syracuse University, and a master’s degree in Art from New Rochelle College in New York. She used her degrees and artistic talents in God’s service as a teacher and artist.

Sister Raphael began her ministry in catechetical and social work at St. Anthony Church in Utica, New York. She taught children at Catholic schools in Syracuse, Albany, and Oswego, New York and in Hoboken, New Jersey. She used her artistic talents as an art teacher at Convent School and Maria Regina College in Syracuse before a new ministry sent her to Rome, Italy. There she welcomed guests from all over the world to the Sisters of St. Francis Pensione.

Sister’s greatest joy was her assignment to the Hermitage Ministry at Alverna Heights in central New York in 1995. For 17 years she offered hospitality and spiritual direction to those who came to the Hermitage for spiritual renewal and guidance. She shared the beauty of God’s creation through her art.

Sister Raphael will be remembered for her many years of devoted service to her community, her love of prayer and meditation, and her great sense of humor and passion for painting. Her beautiful smile and warm manner will be missed by the many people who knew and loved her.

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Feb. 27, 1932 – Sept. 25, 2019

Sister Marilyn, a Pittsburgh native, entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale, Pennsylvania in 1950. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in education and a Master’s degree in psychology and a second Master’s in Guidance and Counseling.

Sister Marilyn began her 58 years of ministry as a teacher, then served as a guidance counselor in several Catholic high schools. From 1982-1987, Sister served as associate director of staff development in the diocesan school’s office. In 1992, she became assistant director in the diocesan office for parish services and in 1994 and was promoted to director of the office where she served until 2002.

In 2001, Sister Marilyn’s outstanding service to the Church earned her a Manifesting of the Kingdom award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. In 2010, Sister retired from active ministry to begin a ministry of prayer for her sisters and for the Church.

Sister Marilyn will be missed by those who cared for her, by her sisters in community, and by her fellow residents at The Waters of Wexford who gained an appreciation for Sister since her move there earlier this year.

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April 9, 1931 – Sept. 21, 2019

Sr. Barbara Eirich entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in 1956 and made her final profession on July 14, 1962.

Sister Barbara earned her Master’s in social work from Fordham University and ministered as a teacher, a staff nurse for the Orthopedic Unit at St. Agnes Hospital in White Plains, and a social worker for the New York Institute for Human Development. In 1976 she founded Group Living Experience / Community Resource Center for the developmentally disabled in the Bronx, New York and served as its executive director until 1999. In 2002, she became an advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities at the Varies Program in Connecticut.

Sister Barbara also served her community as an administrator and minister for community services at Immaculate Conception Convent in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York and Villa St. Francis in Peekskill.

Sister will be remembered for her dedication to individuals with disabilities and for her tremendous energy in her service to God and her fellow sisters.

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Oct. 2, 1926 – Aug. 25, 2019

Sister Marie Colette was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey. At the age of 22, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis and began a life-long ministry in nursing. She ministered as a staff nurse at St. Agnes Hospital in White Plains, New York and at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie. She was an infant nurse at the NY Foundling Hospital and a member of the Pastoral Care team at St. Francis Hospital from 1979 until her retirement in 2013 to The Wartburg in Mt. Vernon, New York.

Sister Marie Colette will be remembered for the loving and compassionate care she gave to her patients of all ages.

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From the days of her youth, Sister Kevin wanted to become a Franciscan sister. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale on September 7, 1941 and gave 75 years of service to God as a teacher, social workers and nurse.

Sister Kevin earned a Bachelor’s in Education from Duquesne University, a master’s in social work from the University of Pittsburgh and a nursing degree from St. Francis Hospital. In 1944 she began teaching in Catholic elementary schools and continued this ministry until 1952 when she served in nursing both at St. Francis Medical Center and at Mt. Alvernia infirmary. She then returned to teaching for three years. Following this final service in elementary education, Sister Kevin returned to nursing until 1981. For the next 19 years, she served as manager at St. Francis Plaza in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, low income housing for seniors that the congregation co-founded. In 2000, Sister Kevin began her prayer ministry while also assisting with various tasks at Mt. Alvernia.

In her later years, Sister Kevin developed a fine talent for paper-cut artwork. She also took part in memoir writing classes and wrote several fascinating essays. She had a fondness for animals and enjoyed the visits from her pet therapy companions. As her physical capacity diminished, Sister Kevin continued to give joy to others through her artwork and her writings. For her it was a reminder of something she once wrote — “What a wonder to always spread joy in the world.”

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister M. Kevin Brand

A Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities for 77 years, Sister Caroline Glatz entered thecommunity from Corpus Christi parish in East Liberty, Pennsylvania. She graduated with a B.A. and a M.A. in elementary education from Duquesne University and began a career in education that would span more than 40 years.

Sister Caroline said she was drawn to little children by the child in her, so her teaching profession centered for the most part around the little ones in first grade, with side trips into Kindergarten, second grade and ministering as principal at St. Scholastica School in Aspinwall. Her ministry then extended to working at Mt. Alvernia Day Care and Learning Center, first as group supervisor with 3- and 4-year-olds and then in the infant room where her quiet, unique way made both children and staff feel loved. When she left the day care center in 2006, Sister Caroline ‘retired’ to prayer ministry at Mount Alvernia region house.

Sister Caroline will be remembered as a prayerful, kind and gentle woman who never complained and always greeted everyone with a welcoming smile. She believed God worked in her life by helping her live simply, be generous with her time and talents, and by giving her the gift of patience.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Caroline Glatz

Sister Norbert was born and raised in western New York state and entered the Sisters of St. Francis as a young woman. She earned a bachelor of science degree from Canisius College, received a scholarship from the National Science Foundation to the University of Notre Dame where she studied chemistry and earned a master of science degree. For 26 years she ministered in education, teaching at Catholic schools throughout western New York.

In 1974, S. Norbert moved from teaching to ministering in Pastoral Care and caring for the elderly, a ministry she seemed to prefer. Long before the Franciscan congregations in Syracuse and Williamsville merged, S. Norbert lived with the Syracuse sisters and served as Director of Pastoral Care at the Mercy Health and Rehab Center the sisters sponsored in Auburn, New York. At the time of her death, Sister continued to receive many cards for every occasion from her volunteers.

A tall, stately woman with natural curly blonde hair, Sister’s wardrobe brought her many compliments. While she appeared quiet and retiring, those who knew her well were aware of her sociable side and report that she readily attended events and never missed a Halloween party.

Sister Norbert’s social concerns spread beyond our community to many societies that offered prayers and Masses for any occasion. She had cards from religious groups from all over the world and her address book contained hundreds of names of friends and relatives from throughout the country.

Sister will be remembered for her prayerfulness and the many hours she spent in Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament and her love for her family, of whom she regularly spoke and for whom she prayed.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Mary Norbert Stang

Born in Glenshaw, Pennsylvania into a family of nine children, Sister Gregory entered the Sisters of St. Francis at the age of 16, following in the steps of two aunts who also were sisters of St. Francis. She earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Duquesne University and a master’s in mathematics from St. Bonaventure. She also participated in postgraduate studies in math and science education from several universities.

Sister Gregory’s 80 years in ministry included education, civic service, volunteerism and leadership within her congregation. She was a teacher in the Pittsburgh Diocese for 19 years, principal of Mt. Alvernia High School for three years and principal of Brownsville Catholic for five years. She served two terms on the leadership team of the congregation and led the community’s development program. She was Diocesan education consultant, was active in the Junior Academy of Science in Pennsylvania and for 25 years, was heavily involved in the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania. Sister Gregory also was the first woman council member in the Borough of Millvale, where she served for four years.

Sister Gregory will be remembered for her willingness to assist others wherever she was needed, for her positive attitude in that service and enjoying life to the fullest.

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Sister Marie Ella was born in Philadelphia, the only girl in a family of five brothers who loved her dearly and made her the family princess. At the age of 21, Sister Ella came to Buffalo to join the Sisters of St. Francis, after reading about the order in an old magazine, The Sacred Heart Messenger. She took the name Ella because it was her mother’s name.

For 31 years, Sister ministered as an elementary teacher in schools throughout western New York, from the farming community of Sheldon to inner city Buffalo. Her fondest ministry, however, was in pastoral care, which she began in 1986 and continued for 10 years, starting at St. Gerard’s and then at St. Mary’s Hospital in Lewiston, New York. Her special ability to listen with care and compassion made her an effective hospital chaplain; when she commented, her remarks were comforting and insightful.

Sister will be remembered for her quiet ways that often hid the sister who loved to share travel adventures and good times with her mother and fellow sisters, and for her unending concern for others that led her to ask, even in her final days, “What can I do for you?”

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Marie Ella Thompson

May 31, 1925 – June 12, 2019

Sister Rose Ellen grew up in Utica, New York and entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse four years after graduating from Utica Free Academy in 1944. Sister’s education at St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in 1947 and the bachelor’s degree in nursing she earned from Catholic University in 1954 prepared her for a ministry in health care.

Sister Rose Ellen was an excellent nurse. Her first assignment was at Mercy Hospital in Auburn, New York, where she served for 15 years as head nurse in Pediatrics, the Medical Surgical Units, and the Emergency Room. She eventually became Director of Nursing Services. She became the evening supervisor at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, where she was approached to become the hospital’s Diabetic Educator. She continued in this position for the next 30 years and joined with nurses from two other local hospitals to form the American Diabetic Outpatient program as a community teaching project. Her commitment to teaching individuals with diabetes about their illness and how to manage it earned her an award from the American Association of Diabetes Education as the outstanding volunteer of 1983.

Sister will be remembered as a devoutly kind, dedicated, conscientious caregiver with a great love for God and his people.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Rose Ellen Brennan

August 8, 1931 – May 15, 2019

A native of Syracuse, New York, Sister Mary William was a member of the Holy Trinity Parish. She entered the Sisters of St. Francis shortly after her graduation from Assumption High School. She earned two Bachelor’s Degrees, one in English from the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York and another in Theology from St. Joseph College in Indiana. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from La Salle University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sister spent 70 years in God’s service, most of them ministering in schools. She taught in schools in DeWitt, Endicott, North Syracuse, and Syracuse, New York as well as Hoboken, New Jersey. Sister also did catechetical ministry in the central New York area, including in Baldwinsville, Chadwicks, Fairmount, Liverpool, Skaneateles, Syracuse, and Utica. Just before her retirement, she was school librarian at St. Rose of Lima School in North Syracuse and also volunteered to tutor children needing special help.

Sister Mary William will be remembered for her heartwarming smile, gentleness, faithfulness, prayerfulness, generosity, and her dedication to her family and her community.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Mary William Malkoske

May 8, 1932 – April 18, 2019

Sister Christopher — Patricia Rose — came from a small town not far from Syracuse, New York. She joined the Sisters of St. Francis and began a ministry in healthcare that would take her to hospitals and adult day care centers throughout central New York and to Kalaupapa, Molokai.

Sister Christopher graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Utica, New York in 1950. She served at the hospital as staff nurse in the operating room, medical-surgical unit, and emergency room. She transferred to St. Francis Hospital in Honolulu and spent three years in general nursing. From there, she was missioned to Bishop Home Hospital on Kalaupapa.

When she returned to the mainland seven years later, Sister Christopher entered St. Joseph’s College in Maryland where she earned a BS Degree in Nursing. She went on to Catholic University to receive her master’s degree. She was sent to St. Joseph Hospital in Syracuse where over the years, she held positions of supervisor, instructor and in administration. In 1977, Sister Christopher took a position with Onondaga County Health Department and for 11 years, served as a public health nurse and public health supervisor.

In 1988, Sister Christopher began the ministry that she said was her most satisfying, that of administrator for St. Francis Social Adult Day Care Center. There, she developed programs for the frail, functionally impaired and elderly.

Sister Christopher will be remembered for her tireless efforts on behalf of the sick and elderly, her love of God and her community, and her true Franciscan spirit. 

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Mary Christopher Dixon

June 22, 1943 – April 16, 2019

A Sister of St. Francis for over 55 years, Sister Jean was educated by the Sisters of St. Francis at Bishop O’Hern High School in Buffalo, New York. Following her graduation in 1962, Sister Jean attended Bryant & Stratton Business School. In November 1964, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis and celebrated her final profession of vows on July 1, 1972 at St. Aloysius Church in Springville, New York.

Sister Jean earned a BS degree in Education from Medaille College and her New York State teacher certification through Buffalo State College. Her ministry centered in elementary education; she taught Kindergarten to 8^th grade at various schools in the Diocese of Buffalo, including St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville; SS Peter & Paul, Hamburg; St. Aloysius, Springville; St. Mary’s Elementary, Lancaster; and St. Vincent de Paul, Spring Brook. After 39 years as an educator, Sister Jean worked as a bookkeeper at the Catholic Academy in Buffalo, and in the development offices at St. Mary’s Elementary, Lancaster, and St. Agnes, Buffalo.

In addition to teaching, Sister Jean loved sports and held positions as Athletic Director and Coach for both girls’ and boys’ sports for basketball, baseball, volleyball and track.    On March 29, 1993, Sister Jean received the St. Sebastian Award from the Diocese of Buffalo, Department of Catholic Education, in conjunction with the Elementary School Athletic Advisory Council for dedicated and sustained service to Elementary School Athletic Programs.

Sister Jean will be remembered for her dedicated service to her students and the student athletes with whom she worked.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Jean Marie Klaus

A native of Brooklyn, Sister Theresa Ruth attended St. Jean Baptiste High School before entering the Sisters of St. Francis in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York.

Sister Theresa worked in both education and nursing during her 61 years of ministry. As a teacher she served in schools in Hastings-on-Hudson, Tuckahoe and Mt. Loretto Staten Island, New York. She earned her LI degree in nursing from St. Francis School of Nursing in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1954; she later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree with honors from Columbia University. In the health care field, Sister Theresa held positions as an operating room supervisor, medical surgery supervisor, director of nursing services and nursing supervisor in hospitals and nursing homes in Westchester, Bronx, and Brooklyn. She also ministered as an infirmary nurse at Mt. Loretto Home for Children on Staten Island.

Sister also served her community as Vocations Director for six years and following her retirement from active ministry, continued as a prayer minister until 2011.

Sister will be remembered for her commitment to the compassionate care of God’s people.

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May 8, 1932 – March 9, 2019

Even though Sister Marie McTarnaghan was born in Warsaw, New York, she attended school from kindergarten through college at Geneseo Central. During her college years, Sister Marie spent summers working in the Department of Recreational Therapy, which later became Craig Development Center in the neighboring town of Sonyea, New York. 

After college Sister Marie taught for four years in the Iroquois Center School District and also completed work on a master’s degree in Education at Canisius College of Buffalo. 

She entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1958 and professed her final vows in 1964.  Sister Marie continued to minister as a teacher and principal in the following schools: SS Peter & Paul, Williamsville; St. Gregory the Great, Amherst; St. Mary’s Elementary, Lancaster; Queen of Heaven, West Seneca; SS Peter & Paul, Hamburg and Most Holy Redeemer, Cheektowaga.

Sister Marie also served as a Religious Education Coordinator at St. Mary’s Parish, Geneseo, New York.  Her final ministry was as principal at St. Aloysius School, Springville, New York where she retired from her almost 40 years in education.

Sister Marie also served her congregation, serving as the Directress of Novices for several years. Most recently Sister Marie served in Community Service and Prayer Ministry at St. Mary of the Angels in Williamsville.

Sister will be remembered for her love of the outdoors, her delight in bringing Holy Communion to her sisters in the health center and her desire to participate in community life even after she became ill.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Marie McTarnaghan

April 7, 1921 — March 4, 2019

Born in Honomu, Hawaii, Sister Laurine originally planned to become a nurse and to get married when she graduated from high school. During the last week of school, she was approached by a teacher who asked her when she was going to join the convent and mentioned that a boat would be leaving for the States in just a few weeks. Sister Laurine took the boat, entered the congregation and took her final vows in 1945.

Sister Laurine graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Syracuse, New York; she received her bachelor’s degree in nursing education and a master’s degree in religious education from Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Her ministries in nursing, religious education and child caregiver sent her to Hawaii, Peru, Florida, Africa and Syracuse. At St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sister Laurine assisted in the operating room with open-heart surgeries and was the first nurse to operate the hospital’s heart and lung machine.

Sister once said that she wouldn’t trade her 78 years as a vowed woman religious for anything. She will be remembered for her service to God’s people, for her spirit of giving and missionary zeal, and her ability to develop a great rapport with everyone she encountered.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Laurine McDonald

Sister Marie Clair entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale, Pennsylvania from Sacred Heart Parish in Emsworth. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Duquesne University and spent 52 years ministering in primary grades in Catholic schools throughout the Pittsburgh Diocese. Following her many years in the traditional classroom, Sister Marie continued to teach in the after-school program at Northview Heights in Pittsburgh and at the Mt. Alvernia Day Care and Learning Center in Millvale. Prior to retiring to the congregation’s prayer ministry, Sister Marie served as assistant sacristan and sacristan at the Mt. Alvernia chapel for 13 years.

Sister Marie will be remembered for her hard work and conscientious attention to detail. Her dedicated, quiet spirit and her gracious Franciscan hospitality will be missed.Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Marie Clare

Aug. 6, 1921 – Feb. 25, 2019

For 49 years, Sister Wilma Eibeck taught elementary school children in schools throughout the Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Altoona-Johnstown dioceses as well as San Juan, Puerto Rico, usingtheskills she learned in earning her bachelor’s degree in education from Duquesne University. After she left the classroom, Sister Wilma managed Bry-Mard Apartments, low income housing for seniors.

Sister Wilma will be remembered for her love of the financially disadvantaged and for being grateful that her vocation enabled her to serve God’s poor. Her kind, helpful and loving ways towards others, evidence of her Franciscan call to share spirituality with others through prayer and presence, will be missed.
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Aug. 9, 1928 – Jan. 16, 2019

Sister Regina Rosaire was born in Queens, New York and served the Lord as a sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.

During her time of service, Sister Regina Rosaire taught at a number of Catholic Schools – at St. Catherine’s School in Pelham from 1948 – 1954, St. Aloysius/Mt. Loretto from 1954-1962, Holy Name of Jesus in New Rochelle from 1962-1968 and again in 1971-1977.  Sister Regina Rosaire taught at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pelham Manor from 1968-1971, St. Ann’s in Ossining from 1977-1978 and St. Eugene’s in Yonkers from 1978-2000.

Prior to joining the congregation’s prayer ministry, Sister Regina helped bring the word of God to children as a Religious Education Coordinator at St. Eugene’s from 2000-2004 and as the Director of Religious Education from 2004-2014. 

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Regina Rosaire Ruth

May 22, 1928 – Dec. 26, 2018

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sister Michael grew up in Lawrenceville and entered the community from her home parish of St. John the Baptist. She was a Sister of St. Francis for 70 years.

Sister Michael graduated with a BA and a MA in Education from Duquesne University. She also earned a permanent certification in the field of Special Education in Pennsylvania. These degrees served her well in her ministries teaching elementary school for 36 years in schools in Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Her love of children was evident throughout her teaching career, but especially during the 12 years she spent working with Down Syndrome children at St. Anthony School in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.

Sister Michael’s teaching career extended to ministering at three different day care centers. From 2009 to 2018, Sister Michael’s ministry was volunteering at Mt. Alvernia Day Care in the infant room, where in her quiet, unique way, she made both children and staff feel loved.

Sister Michael’s parents were both born in Lithuania, and the highlight of her life was to have the opportunity to spend almost a year living and ministering in the country where her parents were born. She served on various committees within her congregation, contributing her gifts wherever they were needed. 

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May 22, 1928 – Dec. 26, 2018

Sister Thomas Marie, a Syracuse native, entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1947 and spent her life serving God’s people as a nurse and occupational therapist. Sister said her ministry that “God has best qualified me in the care of the sick.”

Sister received her RN from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in Utica, New York in 1955 and ministered in various units of the hospital, including the medical/surgical unit and obstetrics, labor and delivery, where she was head nurse. Sister Thomas Marie also received a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Utica College in 1978 and through the years, held positions as administrator, instructor and field work coordinator in the OT field. She ministered throughout central New York, holding positions in Mercy Hospital in Auburn, Loretto Rest, St. Joseph Hospital and Maria Regina College as well as St. Francis Hospital in Hawaii.

Sister Thomas Marie will be remembered for her love of God, happy disposition, dedicated service to her congregation and her compassion toward others. 

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Oct. 7, 1930 – Dec. 21, 2018

More than 35 years of Sister Eleanor Grace’s 70 years as a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities was spent as a teacher and principal in schools in New York and New Jersey. She also ministered for 16 years as a Director of Religious Education in parishes in both those states as well as Connecticut. After working in the field of education, Sister Eleanor Grace also ministered as Director of Volunteers at Rosewood Heights Health Center and Director of Senior Sisters Activities. But the work most near and dear to her heart was serving as Visitor Coordinator of the Saint Marianne Cope Shrine, where she told Mother Marianne’s story to those who visited the shrine.

Her education prepared Sister Eleanor Grace for her many years teaching others — she received a bachelor’s degree in social studies and history from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, New York; a master’s degree in History from Marywood College in Scranton, Pennsylvania; and a Certification in Counseling from St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford, Connecticut.

Sister Eleanor Grace will be remembered as a warm and caring teacher and as effective and enthusiastic in bringing people to the Catholic faith through the Rite of Christian Reception of Adults (RCRA) program.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Eleanor Grace Spiridilozzi

May 4, 1919 – Dec. 7, 2018

During her 73 years as a Sister of St. Francis, Sister Mary Gertrude ministered in health care. This native of Ogdensburg, New York received a Bachelor’s Degree in Neo-Natal Nursing at the College of Nursing at Champlain Valley Hospital, then went on to post graduate work at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse, earning her certification in Obstetric Nursing. She also was certified in Clinical Pastoral Education from the Andover Newton Theological School.

Sister Mary Gertrude was devoted to the mothers and babies for whom she cared; she earned the love and respect of nurses and other patients in the central New York hospitals where she ministered — St. Elizabeth’s in Utica, St. Joseph’s, and Auburn Hospital in Auburn. Known for her kindness, compassion and vision, she faithfully served her community and the people of the Diocese of Syracuse for 40 years.

After she retired, Sister Mary Gertrude liked to spend time outdoors in the sunshine, spending time with her sisters, and singing. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and her love of the color pink.

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Oct. 5, 1935 – Nov. 22, 2018

This native of Scranton, Pennsylvania was 20 years old when she entered the Sisters of St. Francis from her home parish of St. Edward in Blawnox.

Sister Mary Agnes spent most of her 63 years as a sister in education ministry. For 12 years, she taught in various elementary schools in the Pittsburgh diocese, and spent one year as the principal of St. Ann School in Millvale. She transitioned to other ministries which included reaching at Mt. Alvernia High School and serving as Vocation Director for her community. For nine years she served as pastoral associate at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in California, Pennsylvania, where she also served in campus ministry.

Sister Mary Agnes served as a Christian Formation Consultant in the Dioceses of Greensburg and Steubenville for 14 years. In 1993, she was elected to serve on the leadership team for the sisters in Millvale and following her four-year term, she returned to the Diocese of Steubenville for seven more years as a Christian Formation Consultant. In her later years, Sister Mary Agnes ministered to her fellow sisters at Mt. Alvernia regional house.
Throughout her life, Sister Mary Agnes remained grateful to her parents for teaching her to pray. Her ministries made it possible for her to teach and encourage others to develop a strong faith in God.

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Sister Anne Hoyer entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1958, after working several years working in office administration for companies such as Niagara Chemical, Remington Rand, A.B. Dech Co.and R.C. Neal Co. After entrance, Sister Anne earned a BS in education at Mt. St. Joseph Teachers College; for several years, she ministered as an elementary school teacher.

Sister Anne continued her education and passed the New York State Board Exams in X-ray technology, then worked as an x-ray technologist and supervisor for 22 years at St. Francis Hospital in Buffalo. In the 1980s and 90s, she returned to what she called her original career when she joined the staff of Western New York Catholic, performing editorial assistant, secretarial and clerical duties. Sister Anne also served her community, assisting in the finance office at St. Mary of the Angels region house and handling mail and filing for the sisters’ health insurance.

Sister Anne gained her love of the outdoors and sports from her father and she often could be heard cheering for the Buffalo Bills and raving about her latest favorite food. Her favorite author was the Cistercian priest and author Father Thomas Keating.

She will be remembered for her gentle handling of the sisters who visited St. Francis Hospital for x-rays, her love of centering prayer and her charitable spirit.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Anne Hoyer.

Sister Marie Therese will be remembered as a reflection of the apostle Paul’s definition of love — “Love is patient, love is kind,” and as a Franciscan who possessed the persistent willingness to go where she was needed most.

Following her entry into the Sisters of St. Francis, Sister Marie Therese ministered in education, teaching elementary school and high school for 22 years, primarily in the Pittsburgh and Johnstown areas of Pennsylvania. She also ministered in Puerto Rico for six years as a high school teacher and principal. When she returned from Puerto Rico, Sister Marie Therese served as librarian and principal at St. Wendelin’s school in Carrick, Pennsylvania.

At the age of 43, Sister Marie Therese earned a master’s degree in Liberal Sciences from Duquesne University. When she left teaching, Sister served her congregation for 15 years as secretary and associate director.  When she turned 72 she began a new ministry as a Montessori Classroom assistant and also worked at the Mt. Alvernia Day Care and Learning Center for 12 years. After 65 years of ministry, Sister retired in 2010 to a life of prayer at St. Francis Convent in Millvale and spent many hours in the antechapel area of the region house.

Sister Marie Therese will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her calm and peaceful demeanor and her commitment to teaching God’s little ones.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Marie Therese Imhoff.

Sister spent many years as an educator in Westchester, New York and at Mt. Loretto, a former orphanage on Staten Island, where she held many roles. For a number of years, Sister was a member of the Still Point House of Prayer community in the Saratoga, New York area, and served as formation director for the Sisters while living in Hastings-on-Hudson.

Sister Maryellen began her ministry in pastoral care at St. Agnes Hospital in White Plains and continued her work with the sick at St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie where she ministered until her retirement in 2004.

Sister Maryellen will be remembered for her gentle manner, her concern for others, and her dedication to her congregation and ministries.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Maryellen Smith.

One of 10 children, Sister Grace entered the order in 1946, following her older sister, Marie, into the order. Sister Grace was originally known in religious life as Sister M. Barbara Ann; her sister became Sister Mary Leo.

Sister Grace attended Canisus College and Rosary Hill College (now Daemen, both in Buffalo, earning a bachelor’s degree in education and art in 1963. In 1971, she earned a master’s in education from the University of Puerto Rico. In 1973, she achieved a certificate in English education from the State University of New York at Buffalo and an administrative certificate from Niagara University.

Sister Grace served as a teacher in various schools throughout the Diocese of Buffalo including: St. James and St. Gerard in Buffalo; Most Holy Redeemer in Cheektowaga; SS. Peter & Paul in Hamburg; Nativity of Our Lord in Orchard Park; Fourteen Holy Helpers in Gardenville; St. Cecelia in Sheldon; Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bowmansville; St. Leo in Amherst; and St. Aloysius in Springville. Sister Grace also spent over 20 years in education in Puerto Rico, where she loved teaching English as a second language.

Sister Grace also loved to teach art and serving God’s people in all the places she ministered in both the United States and Puerto Rico.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Grace A. Knauber.

In her final 21 years of active ministry, Sister Jeanette was engaged in parish, pastoral and religious education ministries at St. Theresa Parish (now the co-cathedral), the Diocesan Office of Filipino Ministry, the Molokai Catholic Community, St. George Parish, Waimanalo, St. Francis Healthcare System and as a volunteer at the Kukui Gardens Community Center.

In 2010, on the occasion of her 60th anniversary of her entrance into the convent, she wrote, “Being a Sister of St. Francis has been years of love, support, and care in all the ministries assigned to me. It has been many years of pleasure working in his vineyard.”

Sister Jeannette gained a reputation as an excellent Oahu tour guide and she enjoyed cooking, photography, acrylic painting, and adult coloring pages. She also would often drop by the offices of the Hawaii Catholic Herald to pick up extra copies to distribute.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister M. Jeanette Joaquin.

When she left education, Sister Loretta’s major ministry was serving those in need at the Hope Soup Kitchen in New Rochelle, Westchester County’s largest direct service emergency food provider and a program of the Church of the Holy Family parish.

Sister Loretta retired to the Meadowview Living Campus at The Wartburg, where she participated in the community’s ministry of prayer until called to home by God.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Loretta Marie Lorenzo.

Sister Frances Ann’s ministry was one of community service and being a hostess to visitors at the Franciscan sisters’ former Guest House in Rome, Italy. She served her sisters in community by doing household duties at St. Anthony and Jolenta Convents in Syracuse, New York, and at Duns Scotus House of Studies in Washington, D.C. She also ministered at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse as a microfilm clerk. During her later years she volunteered at the congregation’s NunBetter Chocolate Shop and finally, she became a prayer minister—praying for the needs of the world, our benefactors and all of God’s people.

Sister Francis Ann will be remembered for her 69 years of loyal and devoted service to her congregation. Sister Frances Ann, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Frances Ann Cimino.

Sister Mary Coleman Conroy entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale in 1948. For 28 years, she taught in various parochial elementary schools, and 22 years in secondary schools throughout Pittsburgh, Johnstown and Puerto Rico.

During her tenure as a teacher at Lawrenceville Catholic High School in the 1970’s, Sister Coleman, along with Sister Veronica Marie Phillips, spent a summer conducting a census of the area. They discovered a critical need for affordable senior housing. In collaboration with Father Paul Kuppe, OFM Cap., then auxiliary bishop of Pittsburgh, Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco and businessmen Frank and Edward Schneider, they founded Christian Housing Inc. From 1977 to 2011, Sister Coleman served as executive director for St. Augustine Plaza of Christian Housing. Throughout her life, Sister Coleman collaborated with pastors and city officials in securing federal money in order to provide affordable housing for thousands of senior adults. In 1989, Sister Coleman received the No. 2 Police Citizen Council Award in recognition for personal involvement, unselfish dedication and sincere commitment to combat crime in the community.

Sister Coleman also served on the leadership team for the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale even as she continued to advocate for senior housing. A Franciscan woman of unlimited generosity who was compelled to serve the needs of many, Sister Coleman did not shy away from challenges in her quest to provide dignity to the elderly. She saw what was needed and simply found a way to be a true instrument of peace for all people.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Coleman Conroy.

Sister Elizabeth Zagar was born and raised in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania and entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale on December 28, 1941. She professed her final vows in 1946. After earning a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University in 1967, Sister Elizabeth began teaching in the fields of math and science.

Sister Elizabeth’s teaching career spanned more than 30 years at elementary and secondary schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and 13 years in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. At the age of 57, Sister Elizabeth took on a second career — she served as manager at the former St. Francis Plaza senior adult living community in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, and in the business office at the former St. Francis Medical Center in Lawrenceville. She retired from active ministry at the age of 85.

Sister Elizabeth will be remembered as quiet, soft-spoken and gentle of heart. During her long life, Sister Elizabeth touched countless lives and reflected the generosity of God to many. She will be remembered for her clarity of vision and simplicity of heart.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister M Elizabeth Zagar.

Sister of St. Francis for 74 years, Sister Ruth Esther was a faithful and dedicated woman, who embraced our Franciscan charism with love, prayerfulness and abundant courage while serving the Lord.

Sister Ruth Esther taught in schools in Albany, Utica, and Syracuse, New York as well as Hilo and Honolulu, Hawaii. She also was the art and activities director for the St. Francis Adult Day Care in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Sister Ruth Esther did research work at St. Joseph Hospital in Syracuse, where she also served as a lab assistant in the Microbiology Department and later as a statistical analyst.

Especially near and dear to her heart were the years she spent in Peru as an educator and missionary. She taught religion and became director of the Parish Dispensary in Pativilca, specializing in mother-child care. In this ministry, she was instrumental in detecting, preventing and treating people with tuberculosis.

A Red Cross disaster volunteer for more than 25 years, after the 1970 Great Peruvian earthquake hit the coastal town of Chimbote, Peru, she traveled by helicopter to take census and give first aid, helping with evacuation when necessary.

Sister Ruth Esther will be remembered for her devoted service to her religious community. Those who knew and loved her remember her as a caring, loyal sister and friend. As a missionary in Peru, she will be remembered for her warm and generous outreach to her students as well as her dedicated care of the sick. She was always prepared to help in any disaster.

Rest in peace, Hermana. Goodbye, friend.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Ruth Esther Sherman.

For 78 years, Sister Gladys lived as a loving and dedicated member of her religious community.
As an educator, she taught in schools in Utica and Syracuse, New York as well as Lorain, Ohio and Hilo, Hawaii. She also served as principal of the Convent School in Syracuse.

For 14 years, Sister Gladys served as the resident manager of Villa San Carlos, a housing for the low-come elderly in Port Charlotte, Florida.She ministered with a kind, caring and loving heart helping those in need. Upon returning to New York, Sister Gladys served as a hospitality minister at Stella Maris Retreat Center in Skaneateles, being the gracious hostess offering that welcoming radiant smile and gentle care and love to all whom she encountered.Sister Gladys will be remembered for her many years of devoted service to the people of God. Her outgoing personality, constant smile, generous heart and sense of humor endeared her to many people.

May God hold you, Sister Gladys, in the palm of his hand.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister M Gladys Zimmerman.

Born in Utica, New York, Sister Jane Frances had been a Sister of St. Francis for 81 years.
Having earned a master’s degree in education from the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York, Sister Jane Frances was an excellent educator whose teaching experiences began at Our Lady of Angels in Albany and then continued at grammar schools in Syracuse, Utica and in New Brunswick and Hoboken, New Jersey. At the secondary level, Sister Jane taught at Convent High School in Syracuse, Oswego Catholic High School and St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, California. She was a most influential and effective educator for 50 years, after which time she spent 21 years serving as administrative receptionist at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica.

Former co-workers describe her as a “breath of fresh air” with a bubbling personality and willingness to help others that went above and beyond. She was always filled with enthusiasm and reached out with an extra special sensitivity that endeared her to the sisters, her students, their families and those whom she encountered.

Sister Jane Frances had a special ability to laugh and make others laugh with her. Her personality and presence would light up a room.

Sister Jane Frances will always be remembered for devoting many years of service to her community and. Those who knew and loved her will remember her as a loving, loyal, caring friend.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Jane Frances Pfisterer.

An educator for 57 years, Sister Agnes Vera possessed a true Franciscan heart and a devout spirituality which evolved from her Buddhist upbringing. She gifted those who knew her with a demure smile and a penchant for organization and details.

After a year of serving in parish religious education, Sister Agnes Vera devoted the next 25 years to teaching in elementary and secondary schools in upstate New York, and Lorain, Ohio. Returning to her home state of Hawaii in 1980, she served briefly at St. Joseph Elementary School in Hilo, and then for 32 years at St. Francis School in Honolulu, until her retirement in 2013.

As an educator, she insisted that her students complete their lessons thoroughly and neatly, and she humbly credited the Holy Spirit for successfully guiding her students.

During the final decade of her career, Sister Agnes Vera taught ESL classes. She impressed others with her trivia knowledge and her wise insights into religious life. In her spare time, she created her own line of clothing known as “Fashions by Hino” on her many sewing machines.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Agnes Vera Hino.

A teacher, principal and superintendent, Sister Elizabeth John Timson provided leadership and education at Catholic schools in New York and New Jersey for 50 years. Wherever she served, she endeared herself to students and families, and she cherished her relationships with all of them.

In 2001 Sister Elizabeth was named congregational director of development, and later Central New York regional director of donor relations in the Mission Advancement Office of the congregation. She was gifted with the ability to get to know people and focused her efforts on congregational fundraising and sustainability. She remained dedicated to this ministry until God called her home.

In sickness and in health, Sister Elizabeth willingly and generously worked for the Lord. Now she is at peace enjoying the presence and love of the Lord to whom she dedicated her life for 65 years.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Elizabeth John Timson.

For most of her 80 years in religious life, Sister Anne ministered in food service at several of the community’s convents in Pittsburgh and at St. Francis Hospital in New Castle. Sister Anne was a baker and cook par excellence. Her delicious, signature sweet rolls were enjoyed by those who knew her.

A hard worker, Sister Anne was always willing to help wherever there was a need. When she served at St. Augustine Convent in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, Sister Anne learned that there were people going hungry because they were unable to shop and prepare meals for themselves. She immediately wanted to help. Taking her cooking skills beyond the convent walls, she collaborated with the pastor of St. Augustine’s Parish and many volunteers, establishing a Meals on Wheels program.

No matter where she served, Sister Anne found joy in using her skills to help others. More recently, Sister Anne’s ministry was one of prayer for the needs of God’s people. She felt that her prayer life and attendance at daily Mass gave her with the graces she was most in need of at this time of her life. She relied heavily on her favorite passage from St. Paul to the Corinthians: “Love is patient, love is kind…there is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure.”

May the light of God surround you, the love of God enfold you as you rest in peace, Sister Anne.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Anne Jenna.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Mary James Coogan.

Sister Mary Louise will be remembered for her positive outlook on life, cheerful disposition and radiant smile. She spent most of her ministry in education, serving as an elementary teacher and principal for 54 years in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and Diocese of Greensburg, both in Pennsylvania. He life of teaching took some interesting turns, especially as principal and teacher at St. Sebastian School in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. There she opened a new school with just two grades; Sister taught the second grade. Each year for the next six years, the school added another grade; Sister Mary Louise progressed with her class to the next level, all the way to the eighth grade.

After her years in teaching, Sister Mary Louise moved to a new ministry as receptionist at St. Francis Medical Center in Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. In 2002, she joined the sisters at Mount Alvernia in their prayer ministry. Sister Mary Louise enjoyed staying in touch with people and she found enjoyment in taking part in the services provided by the LIFE Pittsburgh Center. There, she listened to the stories of the other participants and shared her own experiences. The other participants and staff were among her fans.
When she reached age 102, Sister shared her secret for a long life — “Don’t Worry!”

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Mary Louise Gerber.

Born on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, Sister Margaret Antone Milho, was known for her vivacious smile, graceful hula and beautiful voice.

Reflecting on the 60th anniversary of her first vows in 2013, Sister Margaret Antone said, “The one thing in my religious life that makes me feel ‘special’ is the constant and continuous love of God that keeps coming my way through people, places and events.”

“Many times God’s gifts come as delightful surprises in the love of others and in others receiving God’s love through me,” she said. “This joyous love of God comes as waves over my life and I feel beautiful … I am grateful.”

A Sister of St. Francis for 65 years, Sister Margaret Antone spent 60 years in Catholic schools as a teacher, counselor and administrator. She taught at St. Rose of Lima School, Syracuse, New York; St. Joseph School, Camden, New Jersey; St. Stanislaus School, Castle Hayne, North Carolina; and St. Joseph School, Hilo, Hawaii.

She was principal at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Ewa Beach, Hawaii; Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Pearl City, Hawaii; St. Francis High School, Manoa, Hawaii; Our Lady of Sorrows School, Binghamton, New York; St. Peter School, Utica, New York; and St. Patrick School, Syracuse.

Recently, she served as a counselor at St. Francis Middle School, Manoa.

In all these places she was noted for her dedication to her students. She was also recognized for her love of French.

-Excerpted from the Hawaii Catholic Herald

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Margaret Antone Milho.

We are so close to God that we are carved on the

palm of God’s hand, and we will never be forgotten by God.(ref. Isaiah 49: 14-16)

From East Syracuse to Gloversville, Cohoes and Utica, Sister David Marie Kelly educated children in central New York for more than 50 years. Most recently, she served as a teacher for 24 years at Immaculate Conception School in Fayetteville, where she was dearly loved and respected as a fine educator.

Wherever she served, Sister David Marie loved her students and they loved her. She will be remembered for her great sense of humor, her faithfulness and her dedication to Franciscan community life, ministry and to her family.

May God hold you, Sister David Marie, in the palm of his hand.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister David Marie Kelly.

On March 1, 2018, the Lord showed Sister Edward Marie the way to walk. All her religious life, Sister lifted up her soul to her God and followed Him.

A teacher and principal for more than 30 years, Sister Edward Marie Seubert served in elementary and secondary schools in Syracuse, Utica, Amsterdam, Albany,and Oswego in the state of New York.  She also taught in Riverside and New Brunswick in New Jersey.

From 1978 to 1989, she served as treasurer of Maria Regina College in Syracuse.  Sister Edward Marie then became involved in various service activities within her congregation.

Sister Edward Marie possessed a great love of God, her sisters in community and family. She was a member of the Hospice Harmony singers and her congregation’s Bell Choir. She will be remembered for her love of God’s sunshine and the outdoors, her endless wit, her singing and playing the violin.

Sister Edward Marie, rest in God’s peace.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Edward Marie Seubert.

For more than 40 years, Sister Jane ministered as a teacher and principal in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and in the Archdiocese of San Juan, Puerto Rico. She then traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands to work inpastoral ministry on the island of St. Croix. Upon her return to Pittsburgh in 1987, she continued working in pastoral ministry for eight years. For the next four years, she served as formation director for her congregation, helping to prepare women to become Sisters of St. Francis. During this time she also served as director of Franciscan associates, a program giving lay women and men an opportunity to share in the sisters’ mission and spirit.

In 1999, Sister Jane founded and served as director of Tabor House of Prayer where she ministered for 16 years. She companioned people on their spiritual journeys as retreat director, spiritual director, and centering prayer facilitator. Always gracious and grateful, Sister Jane loved to create simple, yet eloquent, welcoming surroundings for others. She will be remembered for her deep spirituality and the many ways she empowered others to grow in their relationship with God, self and others, especially through the practice of centering prayer.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Jand Schmitt.

Born on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, Sister Joan E. Souza, ministered at Catholic schools and religious education departments in Hawaii and in New York. Famous for her “ono delicious” cookies and bottled jams and jellies, this year marks her 60th anniversary in religious life.Sister Joan Souza-16389

In 2008, on the occasion of her 50th anniversary as a woman religious, Sister Joan wrote, “I always loved going to church in Eleele, Kauai, where I made my first Holy Communion. I told Jesus I would ‘always love him like Father Henry did.’”

“So when I attended St. Francis Convent School as a boarder where the Franciscan Sisters were always with us — they were loving, caring and sharing women who seemed to love Jesus so much, much as I did,” she said. “Thus I joined the Sisters of St. Francis.”

Sister Joan earned a bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1972. She was also a certified nurse aid.

While in New York, she served at St. Margaret, Mattydale; Our Lady of Angels, Albany; Christ the King, Liverpool; St. John, Oswego, St. Michael and St. Peter in Syracuse. In Hawaii she ministered at St. Joseph School, Hilo; Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Pearl City; Aloha Care, Honolulu, Hawaii; St. Francis, Manoa, Hawaii and at St. Michael School, Waialua, where she was a pre-school teacher.

Most recently she worked as a sacristan and a receptionist at St. Francis Healthcare Systems of Hawaii. While receiving care at hospice, she reached out to other patients and their families.

-Excerpted from the Hawaii Catholic Herald

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Joan Souza.

A Sister of St. Francis for 73 years, for 19 yearsSister Bernadette Lavocat taught children at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Buffalo

including: St. Gerard’s, St. Mary of Sorrows, St. Nicholas, St. Francis of Assisi and Most Holy Redeemer

in Buffalo; St. Francis in Tonawanda and Infant of Prague in Cheektowaga. In 1965,Sister Bernadette began working in community service ministry at St. Mary of the Angels, the home of

the Sisters of St. Francis in Williamsville, New York. Here she served as sacristan and in food service. Most recently, Sister Bernadette’s ministry has been one of prayer and loving presence.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister M. Bernadette Lavocat.

She brought expertise in organizational dynamics as she helped groups such as her own religious order navigate seismic social changes.

But as painful and tense as those changes could be, she could lighten the atmosphere by drawing from her quick wit and a storehouse of memorized passages from Shakespeare.

In more than 59 years as a Franciscan, she worked as a schoolteacher and principal, internationally known organizational consultant, executive director of the Franciscan Federation,

community minister of her congregation and associate director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men Religious.

“She had a keen mind in her ability to analyze and see dynamics that were going on,” said her longtime colleague and fellow Franciscan, Sister Margaret Carney. “But she had a sense of humor that was absolutely delightful.”

Numerous religious orders and other organizations consulted her as they navigated massive social and institutional change.

Sister Ann entered the Franciscans in 1958. She earned a bachelor’s of arts at Carlow College; a master’s of arts at St. Louis University, with focuses on Shakespeare and educational administration; and eventually a doctorate in human and organizational development at the Fielding Institute in California.

She taught for 14 years in Catholic schools around Johnstown, Butler and Pittsburgh.

In her role as the associate director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men Religious, she was the first woman to hold such a position in 41 years. She also worked in the planning office of the Missionary Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers in Pittsburgh.

“Sister Ann’s gift of service to her sisters, to Franciscans and to religious orders addressing the challenges of funding retirement is no less than extraordinary,” said Sister Bernadette Schaad, minister, Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. “A life-long learner, she was driven to achieve excellence, and what she achieved, she shared with others. A true servant leader, Sister Ann was a woman of vision and compassion. She will be remembered fondly by all whose lives she touched.”

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Ann Carville.

After earning a master’s degree in education, Sister Adele Bullock dedicated 40 years of her life to serving as a teacher and vice-principal of Catholic schools in New York, Florida, California, New Mexico, and Hawaii.

Her life’s journey continued at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Utica, New York where she served as director of volunteers; Blessed Sacrament Parish in Margate, New Jersey where she served as parish minister; and Villa San Carlos II, a HUD senior living community in Port Charlotte, Florida where she served as receptionist. In 2009, Sister Adele returned to Syracuse where she served in our prayer ministry.

With her beautiful smile, Sister Adele brought her enthusiasm for life wherever she served. She loved her religious community and was always willing to serve others. Her joyful spirit and deep faith carried her through the difficult times of her life.

Sister Adele, may you rest in God’s peace!

Click here to make a donation in memory of Sister M. Adele Bullock.

A Sister of St. Francis for 62 years, Sister Rose Renna earned a bachelor’s degree in education from State University of New York at Oswego, a master’s in liturgical music from Catholic University of America and a master’s in nursing from Catholic University of America.

Her early years in ministry found her teaching in schools in Syracuse and Utica, New York as well as Camden and Hoboken, New Jersey. Sister Rose Ann was a nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica and St. Joseph Hospital in Syracuse.

While at St. Joseph’s, she served as the assistant director of nurses and vice president for ethics and mission effectiveness and later vice president for mission services. Sister Rose also used her talents in nursing to be a part time faculty member at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse.

Her musical talents led her to become the director of music for the Diocese of Syracuse and the organist at the former St. Anthony Convent Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Francis, as well as accompanist for the Hospice Harmony Singers.

Her leadership skills were tapped when she was elected a general councilor on the Leadership Team of the Sisters of St. Francis.

Sister Rose will be remembered for her heartwarming smile, gentleness, musical talent, friendliness, encouraging manner, teaching skills and her compassion for others.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Rose Ann Renna.

Born and raised in Utica, New York, Sister Mary Nicholas Amodio’s beautiful, spontaneous smile spoke of the inner life she lived.

After professing her perpetual vows in 1950, Sister Mary Nicholas she served as a religion teacher and director of religious education in the Diocese of Syracuse’s Eastern Region for 32 years.

Her journey continued at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica, New York where she served as chaplain for 13 years. She also ministered as chaplain at Mercy Rehab Center in Auburn, New York and prison chaplain in Taft, California.

Returning to the Diocese of Syracuse, Sister Mary Nicholas served as parish minister at St. Patrick’s Parish in Clayville and St. Mary of Mount Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish in Utica, her home parish. One of her loves was teaching the Life in the Spirit seminars, where she helped people to live in the Spirit and deepen their relationships with Christ.

Just as she lived each day with grace, Sister Mary Nicholas died a grace-filled woman. She will be remembered for reaching out to all people and giving each one the spiritual gifts of peace and the love of the Christ, whom she faithfully followed her entire life.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Mary Nicholas Amodio.

Sister Ann was a devoted teacher, supervisor of child care, parish minister and volunteer. She taught at St. Catharine’s School, Pelham, 1952-1960; St. Eugene’s, Yonkers, 1960-1970; and Immaculate Conception, Tuckahoe, 1970-1972, and she was principal of Our Lady of Loretto, Cold Springs, 1972-1976. She was the principal of the former Our Lady of Loretto School in Cold Spring, N.Y., from 1972 to 1976, and also at a school in Pennsylvania.

Sister Ann volunteered at the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin (Mount Loretto), Staten Island, 1990-1994, after which she was a supervisor of community resources for the developmentally disabled on Staten Island. She was honored many times for her work promoting breast care awareness. 

Sister Ann had a spirit of dedication to the communities she served. Her ministry most recently involved volunteering for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of all the residents of Clove Lakes. She prided herself in knowing everyone’s name, room, and which Eucharistic minister they preferred to visit with them.
Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Ann Murtagh.

“Oh, only for a short while you have loaned us to each other, because we take form in your act of drawing us.” – Joyce Rupp

A missionary with a pilgrim’s heart, Sister Francis Clare was born in Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii to Antonia Abuyan and Carpio de Gracia from the Philippines. “I always wanted to be a missionary,” Sister Francis Clare said in a 2015 interview.

In 1946 after graduating from St. Francis High School in Honolulu (Manoa), Hawaii, Sister Francis Clare received her private pilot license certification. “I used to fly and think a lot about life,” she said. “You go up there and you fly around and it gets you thinking.”

It was during this time of reflecting that Sister Francis Clare felt God calling her to religious life. After joining the Sisters of St. Francis from her home parish of Holy Cross in San Juan, Rizal, Philippines, Sister Francis Clare professed her final vows in 1955. She began serving in education ministry as a teacher in New York and Hawaii.

Then in 1967, her pilgrim’s journey began. This was her passion — missionary work in Peru! For more than 40 years, Sister Francis Clare served the people of Peru through her ministries of education and social work. In 2005, she helped to establish a Montessori School for children in Quebrada Verde, Lima, which was renamed Esculla Francis Clare in her honor following her death.

Sister Francis Clare also helped a group of Peruvians to build a bakery, empowering them to become financially sustainable. She continually advocated for people experiencing poverty and helped them in their time of need.

Sister Francis Clare’s life reflected the Franciscan ideals of poverty and simplicity, and she truly lived the Gospel message. She leaves behind a legacy of steadfast love and compassion. Her efforts for the people of Peru will never be forgotten.

Sister Francis Clare, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Francis Clare de Gracia.

A native of Buffalo, New York, Sister Rita Marie Nigro attended area schools, incluing public School #38, Holy Angels School and graduated from the city’s Nardin Academy. She attended college at Mount St. Joseph Teachers College (now Medaille College), also in Buffalo.

Sister Rita Marie entered the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Divine Child just three years after her twin sister entered. She ministered in parish schools for 19 years, teaching at Immaculate Heart of Mary and Our Lady of Loretto in Buffalo, and served as principal of Our Lady of Miracles School in Brooklyn.

In 1971, Sister Rita Marie was assigned to Our Lady of Fatima Mission Center in Cattaraugus, New York. From there, she and the sisters with her traveled every weekend to 10 different towns to teach religious education. Their classrooms were in rectories, church halls, kitchens, parlors, public schools and even a school bus. Sister served in this ministry for 30 years. Sister also took parish census for a number of parishes in the Buffalo diocese.

After 56 years as a Sister of the Divine Child, Sister Rita Marie became a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities when the two religious congregations merged. She spent her later years serving the chapel at St. Mary of the Angels region house in Williamsville and as a member of her congregation’s prayer ministry. Sister Rita Marie will be remembered for the many children she brought to Christ through her commitment to religious education.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Rita Marie Nigro.

Through her ministries in health care and education, Sister Dolores Sevilla dedicated her life to caring for children. Early in her vocation, as a certified baby nurse, she cared for newborn and premature babies at St. Mary’s Hospital in Orange, New Jersey and Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, New York. For more than 50 years, she educated children at Immaculate Conception School in Tuckahoe, New York; St. Joseph by the Sea High School in Staten Island, New York; and Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount Loretto in Staten Island, New York, where she also served as prefect.

Born and raised in New York City, Sister Dolores was a woman of deep faith and devotion to God. “I pray to see the Divine Child in every child I serve,” she said.

Sister Dolores truly embodied the Franciscan spirit, bringing the light of God to all those she encountered. She was especially devoted to Catholic education as well as her family and friends.

Now, Sister Dolores is reaping rewards in heaven from the God she served so well.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister M. Dolores Sevilla.

In Matthew’s gospel, there is a parable that speaks of “the Kingdom of heaven like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one of great price, he sells all that he has to buy it.”

Sister Mary Nelson truly is that pearl of great price. Her character, compassion, kindness, self-sacrificing nature, empathy for others, her warm heartedness…. – all pearls of great price. She was baptized Mary Felicitas Harlach, and she embodied the meaning of her middle name: Felicitas – contented, joyful, happy.

From her early childhood years, she had desired to become a woman religious like the sisters who were her teachers. “They were an inspiration and motivation for me” she said. So, finally after helping her family get through hard times during the Great Depression, she entered the Sisters of St. Francis in 1942 at 29 years of age.

She never regretted the long wait, as she said “it prepared her to cope with life in many situations, being rewarded with peace and the conviction that she had assisted her parents in their need.

Assisting others in their need became the trademark of this pearl of great price, now known in religious life as Sister Mary Nelson, named after Venerable Nelson Baker, whom she knew and admired.

From 1945 through 1963, she taught children and served as principal in schools in North Java, East Eden, Sheldon and Springbrook. From 1965 through 1988, she was principal of Sts Peter & Paul in Hamburg, St. Gerard’s and finally at Queen of Heaven in West Seneca.

For the next 17 years, Sister Mary Nelson took on the role of pastoral care giver to the homebound in West Seneca and ultimately to the residents at St. Francis Geriatric in Buffalo for which her very nature of compassion and empathy more than qualified her.

In 2005, she moved to St. Mary of the Angels in Williamsville, where she continued to minister with sisters, and in a special way with nurses and staff in the Health Center.

Sister Mary wrote the most beautiful messages of support to so many people; whether they were due to sickness, need for employment, children’s issues, etc. She actually owned a little book where she wrote the names of persons asking for prayers, as well as the specific intention so as not to forget anyone.

This was a woman of great character, truly a pearl of great wisdom, devotion, kindness and compassion. A pearl of very great price. I am sure she has found her own pearl of great price in God’s eternal kingdom.

Rest in peace, dear sister.

Adapted from Sister Mary Nelson’s Eulogy, written by Sister Marian Rose Mansius

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Mary Nelson.

Sister Ann Cecilia Heise spent a lifetime loving her God, just as God loved her. A Sister of St. Francis for 65 years, she served God and others with great faith and trust. We will remember her for quiet, gentle spirit, her love of God and community, generosity, loyalty, and kindness.

As a teacher and principal for 44 years, Sister Ann Cecilia gave thousands of children the gift of an education. From Amsterdam, Dewitt, Syracuse, Utica and Whitesboro, New York to Camden and Hoboken, New Jersey, Sister Ann Cecelia exuded the Franciscan spirit along the way.

In 1997, Sister Ann Cecilia served as assistant administrator at Prince of Peace Villas, a senior adult living community in Ormond Beach, Florida. In 2006, she returned to Syracuse to serve in the congregation’s Finance Office and NunBetter Chocolates sponsored ministry.

Sister Ann Cecilia, may God hold you in his loving hands.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Ann Cecilia Heise.

Born in Montgomery, Alabama and raised in Utica, New York, we remember Sister Lorraine James for her vivacious personality and the love that she had in her heart for God and her Franciscan community.

An educator for 33 years in California, New York and New Jersey, she also served for 10 years in the Medical Records Department of St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center in Syracuse as well as the Northside Poverello Clinic in Syracuse.

Sister Lorraine loved to sing. For many years, she sang with the Hospice Harmony Singers in Syracuse. She delighted in her Lebanese heritage and celebrated with family in song, dance, and good food.

May God hold you in the palm of his hand, Sister Lorraine.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Lorraine James.

“You yourselves have seen how I carried you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself.” (Ex. 19:14)

Sister Lina lived her life, quiet, unassuming, smiling at all who greeted her and giving forth the essence of God, an infinite part of her. This is how she left her earthly bounds on June 25t\ 2017. She left to complete her journey to her.Go d, who was the inner part of her heart.

She was born in Waialua, Oahu, Hawaii to Robert Garcia and Antonia Saming Pagdilao. She was named Rizalina.

From her home parish, St. Michael Church in Waialua, Rizalina Pagdilao entered the Syracuse Franciscans on September 2, 1952. Her date of of investiture was March 3, 1953, and her final profession date was August 16, 1958.

Her ministry was education. Sister received a bachelor’s degree in education from the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York, and a master’s degree from the University of Scranton in Scranton, Pennsylvania. For over 50 years, Sister taught in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, North Carolina, and New York state.

Returning to the Motherhouse in Syracuse in 2007, Sister worked for Nunbetter Chocolates. When the Motherhouse on Court Street closed, the sisters moved to the Franciscan Villa, and Sister Lina continued doing community service for the sisters with whom she lived.

For Sister Lina’s remaining years she lived a life of prayer, love of her Hawaii, and always greeting people with leis. She displayed devotion to her community by the manner in which she quietly went about doing good for others.

God hold you in the palm of His hand, Lina

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Lina (Rizalina) Pagdilao.

The life of Sister Joanne was no less than extraordinary, yet profoundly and simply Franciscan. She was a teacher, nurse, senior living community manager, minister, and leader. But most important, Joanne was a holy woman who will always be remembered for her servant leadership.

Sister Joanne served many years in leadership with our community and in this role, she became sister and servant to all. In the days of renewal and revitalization, she encouraged us to dream again and to reawaken in ourselves a passion for the Gospel life. We are fortunate to have a number of her written reflections for the community. Several of these articles emphasize a desire to embrace the future and to be peacemakers, especially to the most vulnerable. Her style was never to possess power, but to realize that power is for each other and within each other.

According to Sister Joanne, the greatest gift of God is the desire for renewed life. Her entire life was a testimony of this gift, as she encouraged others to desire it and to live into their deepest hopes and dreams. Although she earned numerous degrees and certifications, she once wrote that her best sources of wisdom were found in her sisters. She truly learned the uncommon and not-well-understood beauty of living religious life to the fullest even when one is ill and dependent.

We can now say that Sister Joanne completed her journey to God. She followed Francis by rejecting no one and seeing Christ in all. During her life, she cared for the sick, ministered to victims of AIDS, led her sisters through times of renewal, and ministered to the dying. In her living, she offered compassion to others and in her dying she expressed only gratitude. Her final wish empathized this. “I want my funeral to be a celebration,” she said with conviction as she returned from her care center for the final time. In her final days, she expressed only gratitude as she awaited that final embrace of God.

It is providential that Sister Joanne left us at this time of spring, a time of new life and renewal. We await and prepare for the most sacred time of Holy Week only to celebrate a most holy woman. In Christ’s dying and in Joanne’s dying, we believe in the promise of new life. And so with God and with Joanne, we celebrate.

May she rest peacefully in the loving arms of God.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Joanne Bich.

“Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name, you are mine.” (Is. 43:2-4)

Born and raised in Utica, New York, Sister Mary Kevin DeTore joined the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse, New York in 1951. For the next 66 years, she faithfully journeyed with God, serving others with great love and determination.

Sister Mary Kevin taught the faith and academics to countless numbers of students in Catholic schools in New York and New Jersey for more than 35 years. In 1983, she began serving in health care at Loretto Rest, a home for senior adults in Syracuse. She continued serving in health care at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Syracuse and finally at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica, New York, where she also served in pastoral care and as an administrative assistant.

Beginning in 2000, Sister Mary Kevin dedicated the remainder of her life to prayer ministry, bringing Christ to people through prayer.

Sister Mary Kevin will be remembered for her dedicated service to God’s people, her devotion to her family and her wonderful sense of humor.

Sister Mary Kevin, rest in God’s peace.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Mary Kevin DeTore.

A long-time teacher, Sister Margaret Anthony Domin’s own education began in a little red school house in the Boston, New York countryside, where she completed grades one through three. The schoolhouse itself had special significance to the Domin family since it was built on land that was part of the family farm.

From these simple beginnings, Sister Margaret Anthony went on to enter the Sisters of St. Francis in Buffalo in 1952 and eventually earned a master’s degree in education from State University College at Buffalo.

For 37 years, she ministered as a teacher at elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo including St. James and Holy Name in Buffalo, Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Silver Creek, St. John the Baptist in West Valley, Sts. Peter & Paul in Hamburg, St. Francis of Assisi in Tonawanda, St. Mary’s in Lancaster, Nativity in Orchard Park, Most Holy Redeemer in Cheektowaga, Annunciation in Elma, Queen of Heaven in West Seneca and St. Leo the Great in Amherst. Most recently, she served as pastoral care minister and service coordinator at Holy Family Home in Williamsville, New York.

A faithful servant who shaped the lives of countless numbers of children, leading them toward the kingdom of God, we celebrate the life of Sister Margaret Anthony. May God hold her in the palm of his hand.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Margaret Anthony Domin.

Welcome home, Sister Carmen Puhl, OSF

As we mourn the March 4 passing of our dear Sister Carmen, we also celebrate with joy a life truly dedicated to the service of all God’s people.

Her ministry in New Castle as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital, nursing home administrator at Hill View Manor and co-founder (along with Dr. John Prioletti) of St. Francis Hospice, brought to the canvas of nursing the colors of compassion, integrity, vision, transcultural love, and a deep conviction that every person in whatever stage of mental or physical incapacity deserved equal respect and dignity.

It was apparent to those who saw her in action that she acknowledged that God temple in everyone to whom she ministered. The memory of her, which will forever be etched in our minds, is of one who had a special love for those afflicted with AIDS, of one who compassionately held the hand of the man or woman dying in hospice, or the times when she quietly and patiently without judgment listened to one baring his or her soul, or the memory of working with her on the first Peace and Justice Committee of the Sisters of St. Francis.

Upon retiring from nursing, Sister Carmen went on to offer her services at Mt. Alvernia Day Care and Learning Center in Millvale, where she joyfully rocked the tiny babies, providing much TLC.

Yes, we will keep your memory alive, Sister Carmen, in our attempts to follow your example until we, too, experience the loving caress of a God who welcomes each one of us with open arms.

Anyone wishing to remember Sister Carmen in a special way, may make a donation in her memory to the Sisters of St. Francis Ministry, Formation or Retirement Fund, 146 Hawthorne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15209.

– Sister Shirley Huff, OSF

Originally published in the March 28 edition of the New Castle News

One of the songs Sister Ellen chose for her funeral liturgy, “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman” truly speaks to us not only of our holy Mother Mary, but also of Sister Ellen herself. “Gentle woman, quiet light, shining star, so strong and bright; gentle woman, peaceful presence, teach us wisdom, teach us love.” This quiet, gentle woman was also strong, peaceful and wise. In her 87 years in the community, Sister Ellen travelled along many paths: teaching God’s little ones in first, second and/or third grades; as elementary school principal, as postulant directress, as home care provider for her dear mother during the latter’s last years. Mr. Vince Cinski, the present mayor of Millvale, recalls loving memories of her as his first grade teacher.

When she returned to the regional house, she continued her care of others, ministering to them when and however she could. She was always happy when she could in some way help to lift the spirits of others and encourage them in their efforts to do good. She enjoyed interacting with the sisters, keeping up with the news and relating stories from her past years. She helped to develop programs for the senior sisters, endeavoring to keep them active and healthy. She continued in community service until a stroke confined her to the health care unit for the next nine years.

As a patient, Sister Ellen was a model of peace and patience in long-suffering, still talking with other sisters as much and as long as she was able. And later, she continued to minister to each one of us without ever having to say a word. Sister Ellen found great peace in her prayer life – quiet times with the Lord, community prayers with the other sisters, and enjoying God’s beauty and presence in all creation.

On Feb. 8, Sister Ellen entered into eternal life, into the loving embrace of the Lord, into an eternal encounter where she is welcomed as a gentle woman, strong and bright, a peaceful presence who has taught us wisdom – taught us love.

Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Ellen Gresock (Sister M. Neri).