October 23, 1930 — April 24, 2024
Sister Mary Colette (Wanda) Michniewicz, 93, a Felician Sister for 76 years, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at Holy Name of Mary Convent in Mississauga.
The former Wanda Michniewicz was born to Frank and Stanislawa on October 23, 1930, in Toronto, Ontario. She was the eldest of eight siblings (three brothers, five sisters). She often spoke of her great love for her parents and family, and thanked God for her parents’ faith that nurtured her faith and vocation.
Wanda attended St. Mary’s Elementary School where she was taught by the St. Joseph Sisters. She knew the Felician Sisters from the daycare and their ministry in St. Stanislaus Parish. From an early age Wanda desired to be a sister. At the age of 13, she left home on Sept. 12, 1943, to enter the aspirancy of the Felician Sisters, and to attend Villa Maria Academy in Buffalo, New York, to complete her secondary education. She graduated from high school in 1947 and then entered the postulancy of the Felician Sisters at Villa Maria Convent, on July 4, 1947. She pronounced her first vows on August 13, 1949, and made her final vows on August 13, 1955.
During her 76 years of religious life, Sister Colette ministered in many apostolates; first as a nurse’s aide working with children at St. Rita’s Home in Buffalo, and then as a grade 3 teacher at St. John Kanty’s. She returned to Canada in 1952 to attend Toronto Teacher’s College where she received the Prince of Wales Award for the highest teaching mark. Sister Colette ministered as a teacher and principal in the elementary Catholic schools in the Welland, St. Catharines, Ajax, and Cooksville areas from 1953-1966.
While teaching full time Sister Colette took courses on the weekends at Mount St. Joseph College in Buffalo, N Y and received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1966. She also took courses in Canada and received the certification needed to teach secondary school students. She attended the Ontario College of Art from 1958-1961 to receive her specialist certificate in art and then in Fine Arts Painting in 1971. Later on, she learned how to spin thread and became a Master Weaver.
