She taught at St. Peter School, Riverside, N.J.; St. Joseph School, Hilo, Hawaii, where she also was vice principal; and Our Lady of Good Counsel School, Pearl City, Hawaii. 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. When she turned 72 she began a new ministry as a Montessori Classroom assistant and also worked at the Mt. 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. Her active ministry concluded in the spiritual care department and gift shop at St. Francis Medical Center. Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, Sister Helen Paul entered the St. Francis community at age 22. Famous for her “ono delicious” cookies and bottled jams and jellies, this year marks her 60th anniversary in religious life.Sister Joan Souza-16389 “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. She also took part in memoir writing classes and wrote several fascinating essays. Sister Joanne served many years in leadership with our community and in this role, she became sister and servant to all. She radiated the love she had for each of them, as they plied her with questions on the playground or after school. 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. She studied at McGill University in Montreal for certification to teach nursing, and after returning home, she was on staff at Easton Hospital in Pennsylvania, in charge of Pediatrics and teaching Maternal and Child Health to students in the nursing program. Sister Teresita ministered as a missionary in Brazil, where she assisted Jesuit priests in serving with the poor and worked with migrants in Texas near the Mexican border. She served as general treasurer for 23 years and was a member of the congregation’s Leadership Team. Sister Mary Sara will be remembered as generous, gracious and cheerful, as well as for her willingness to serve others and her dedication to God. Following her graduation in 1962, Sister Jean attended Bryant & Stratton Business School. When she retired as a full time teacher she gave of her time and talents as a substitute teacher and religious education teacher at St. Rose of Lima School in North Syracuse. Sister Catherine was well-known for creating unique crafts, including beautiful, knitted afghans. It reads, “God has created me to do Him some definite service. Sister Mary Andrew spent her early years teaching at various schools in New York and New Jersey. 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. We will remember her for quiet, gentle spirit, her love of God and community, generosity, loyalty, and kindness. Her beautiful smile and warm manner will be missed by the many people who knew and loved her. Sister Alvera ministered in schools in New Jersey, Ohio, and Florida but most of her teaching life was spent in the schools in the Diocese of Syracuse. She spent 38 years teaching in Catholic elementary schools in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, Altoona, Johnstown and San Juan, Puerto Rico. She was immediately loved by all of the sisters and became a treasured gift and blessing to them. Loretto from 1954-1962, Holy Name of Jesus in New Rochelle from 1962-1968 and again in 1971-1977. 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. She attended college at Mount St. Joseph Teachers College (now Medaille College), also in Buffalo. 2017 Sister Mary Rosaire will be remembered for her resilient spirituality, selfless love and devotion, gentleness, resourcefulness and integrity. Throughout her 50 years in health care ministry in the Pittsburgh region, Sister Rosita Wellinger enjoyed interacting with people — physicians, nurses, personnel, patients and their families, neighbors, clergy, civic leaders and benefactors. Prior to retiring to the congregation’s prayer ministry, Sister Marie served as assistant sacristan and sacristan at the Mt. Fiercely independent, Sister Rose only used a walker in the last month of her life. Sister Edward Marie then became involved in various service activities within her congregation. A native of Syracuse, New York, Sister Gratia attended The Convent School in Syracuse and entered religious life in 1949. 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. She was well loved by the staff in the Meadowview Assisted Living and at the Skilled Nursing Facility at Wartburg where she lived after her retirement. Over 103 years, Sister Aelred made an impressionable mark on the lives of many people, most notable among whom were the many students she taught and mentored. She completed her ministry in education as principal at Blessed Sacrament in Margate, New Jersey. 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 Marie Colette will be remembered for the loving and compassionate care she gave to her patients of all ages. Sister Helen Paul will be remembered for her determination and the strength of her personal will. In 1972, Sister Jane Marie received a Master of Education from Duquesne University and from that time, she completed several certificate courses in Business Education. After retiring from the classroom, Sister Elaine ministered in the business offices of two hospitals as well as at the motherhouse in Millvale for a number of years. She also served as a field worker for the Office of Economic Opportunity in Knox County, Kentucky. home of her loving God. Alvernia. On March 1, 2018, the Lord showed Sister Edward Marie the way to walk. After professing her perpetual vows in 1957, Virginia earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in Dayton in Ohio and a master’s degree from SUNY Potsdam, N.Y. She earned a certificate in administration from Manhattan College in New York City and went on to dedicate her life to serving God through education ministry. Following the union, Sister Helen Paul served on the finance committee and as director of finance for the sisters in the East Coast region. She taught children at Catholic schools in Syracuse, Albany, and Oswego, New York and in Hoboken, New Jersey. She could make a piano talk! “You will leave with joy and be led away in safety.” (Is 55:12). Not only did she radiate God’s peace and love, but she gave witness to what it means to be a Franciscan as she, in her quiet way, lived the gospel message. Congregational Offices .fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-1 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-1 .panel-title a{font-size:13px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-1 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-1 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-2683-1 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #741c36;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-1 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-1 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #741c36!important;border-color: #741c36!important;}Sister John Joseph (Theresa) Sochor May 4, 1947 – April 4, 2021 community minister of her congregation and associate director of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men Religious. From 1970 to 1992, Sister Jane Marie taught business classes at South Catholic High School in Hartford, Connecticut. Sister Mary Paul served in many community capacities as well, including novice mistress, council member, general superior, general treasurer and archivist. Sister Jane Marie entered the Sisters of St. Francis of the Providence of God from Immaculate Conception Parish in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1960 after several years of working as an executive secretary. She prided herself in knowing everyone’s name, room, and which Eucharistic minister they preferred to visit with them. Just as she lived each day with grace, Sister Mary Nicholas died a grace-filled woman. Sister spent many years as an educator in Westchester, New York and at Mt. Sister Blanche was born in Brooklyn, New York. In addition, she served as director of the office of community development and administrative director of Camp Clare Vue. For 68 years, Sister Mary Sara served God and her community as a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Great Is Thy Faithfulness (Feat. Alvernia High School and serving as Vocation Director for her community. .fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-4 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box{ color: #ffffff;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-4 .panel-title a .fa-fusion-box:before{ font-size: 13px; width: 13px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-4 .panel-title a{font-size:13px;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-4 .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #333333;border-color: #333333;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-4 .panel-title a:hover, #accordion-2683-4 .fusion-toggle-boxed-mode:hover .panel-title a { color: #741c36;}.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-4 .panel-title .active .fa-fusion-box,.fusion-accordian #accordion-2683-4 .panel-title a:hover .fa-fusion-box { background-color: #741c36!important;border-color: #741c36!important;}Sister Florence (M. Rose Francis) Brandt April 17, 1933 – December 19, 2020 She earned a BS degree and became certified in New York State as a nursing home administrator. Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Dolorosa LenkSister Mary Jeanne (Patricia) KennedyMarch, 21 1934 – Nov. 16, 2019 Most of her 68 years as a sister were spent in education ministry. 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. She attended St. Joseph Elementary and High schools in Hilo until the tenth grade when she transferred to St. Francis Convent School in Honolulu. She also held permanent certifications in Administration, Guidance, Home Economics and Health Education. Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Rose Ann Renna. In her later years, Sister Marilyn served as the Western Pennsylvania Region’s archivist, sharing her talents as a historian, skilled in English, Franciscan through and through, with a world view. Sister Florence loved to read, was a deep thinker and never tired of learning. Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister M. Gracia Eallonardo. Sister’s greatest joy was her assignment to the Hermitage Ministry at Alverna Heights in central New York in 1995. A native of Pennsylvania, Sister Terence Spenger entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Millvale, PA in 1950. “I am eternally grateful for my Franciscan vocation in this congregation,” Sister Ruth once said. In 1948, Sister felt God’s call to service and entered the Sisters of St. Francis. 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. Click here to make a gift in memory of Sister Ann Cecilia Heise.Sister Lorraine JamesJuly 22, 1941 – June 28, 2017 “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. When Sister Camille entered the Sisters of St. Francis, she began a journey that would take her into a number of ministries as she endeavored to follow in the footsteps of Jesus as St. Francis did. the Sisters of St. Francis in Williamsville, New York. She ministered as a teacher and principal in schools in Westchester County and Mt. In 2001, Sister Marilyn’s outstanding service to the Church earned her a Manifesting of the Kingdom award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Her special love came later in her ministry of spiritual care at the House of Prayer in Uniontown and then as director of Pastoral Care at St. Francis Hospital in New Castle. 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. - Claiborne County Eunice Brown was born on October 14, 1933 to the late Isiah "Jabo" Brown, Sr. … Returning to the Motherhouse in Syracuse in 2007, Sister worked for Nunbetter Chocolates. Adapted from Sister Mary Nelson’s Eulogy, written by Sister Marian Rose Mansius In 1963 Sister Helen Paul became a registered nurse in New York State and began her ministry in health care. Sister was born Mary Theresa Rossi in Poughkeepsie, the second youngest in a large loving family. She had a welcoming and warm personality that lifted the spirits of all around her. Her journey then took her to the congregation’s former Dorn Day Care Center in Syracuse where she ministered as directress and caregiver. God hold you in the palm of His hand, Lina. 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 Wilma, rest in the peace of Christ. Sister Charlene’s early years in the community found her teaching in junior high school classes in schools staffed by the sisters in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Pa. Inspired by St. Marianne Cope, OSF, Sister Richard Marie Toal entered the Sisters of St. Francis in Syracuse in 1937. Sister Caroline will be remembered as a prayerful, kind and gentle woman who never complained and always greeted everyone with a welcoming smile. Walking, as she did, so often with illness, never made her less concerned for the health of others. This was followed by the Life, Death and Resurrection sculpture in our cemetery in 1971. A Sister of St. Francis for 75 years, Sister Anne Gertrude Rooney was a prayerful woman who held dear her Franciscan vocation and traditions. 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. A native of central New York, Sister Noreen graduated from the Sisters of St. Francis Convent School in Syracuse, New York where she first met the Sisters whose congregation she would join in 1954.