July 19, 1947 — October 19, 2024
Sister Joseph Marie, of Buffalo, NY, age 77, a Felician Sister for 57 years, entered eternal life on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Williamsville, NY.
The former Joanne Marczak was born on July 19, 1947, in Buffalo, NY, and was a member of Infant of Prague Parish, Cheektowaga, NY.
She entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Felician Sisters in Buffalo, NY, on December 11, 1966, and professed perpetual vows on August 11, 1974. She graduated from Bishop Colton High School in Buffalo and went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science from Villa Maria College of Buffalo, a Bachelor of Science from Daemen (Rosary Hill) College, Amherst, NY, and a Master of Science from Canisius College of Buffalo. Sister Joseph Marie also held a certificate in gerontology from Canisius College of Buffalo and a certificate as a bereavement facilitator from the American Academy of Bereavement.
Sister Joseph Marie began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1968 as a primary grade teacher at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, Depew, NY. She served the Diocese of Buffalo as an educator for twenty-two years, first as a teacher in area elementary schools and then as a Social Studies teacher at Notre Dame High School, Batavia, NY, and at Villa Maria Academy, Buffalo, NY, where she also taught music and art. As a teacher, she encouraged her students to discuss and debate important political, social, and economic issues drawing out their “creative genius.” A lover of music and an accomplished accordionist from an early age, Sister Joseph Marie shared her musical talent with her students as a choral and handbell choir director. Many high school students under her instruction enjoyed a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction especially as they performed at different local events.
In 1993, Sister Joseph Marie began to focus her energies on her long desire to be of service to the elderly, sick, dying, and bereaved. As a pastoral associate at St. Josaphat Parish, Cheektowaga, NY, Sister Joseph Marie experienced many opportunities to develop her gifts and talents, especially as she met with and counseled individuals and families struggling with sickness and grief. Sister Joseph Marie also served at Ascension Parish, North Tonawanda, NY, and St. Gabriel Parish, Elma, NY. Her strong work ethic and desire to spark the faith of young and old led her to initiate innovative and inspiring programs at the parishes she served. However, closest to her heart was the ministry of presence to those suffering losses.
During the years Sister Joseph Marie resided at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, she reverently assisted funeral directors with the final preparation of our deceased sisters. She saw this ministry as a humble Franciscan tribute to the sister lovingly created in God’s own image.Her dedication to living wholeheartedly the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy in her daily ministry is her legacy.
After ministering selflessly as a pastoral associate, counselor, and compassionate companion for twenty-four years, Sister Joseph served as a receptionist at Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY, as she cared for her ailing mother. Her own long endurance of chronic illness, brought Sister Joseph Marie home to Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent where she began her personal journey back to God to whom she dedicated her life as a Felician Sister faithfully following in the footsteps of Blessed Mary Angela.
An Evening Prayer Service was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 5 p.m. in the convent chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the convent chapel. Rev. Paul Nogaro was presider and homilist. Concelebrants included Rev. John Mitka, Rev. Charles Slisz. and Rev. Conrad Stachowiak. In fitting tribute, Sister Mary Jean Sliwinski honored Sister Joseph Marie with a beautiful accordion rendition of Amazing Grace as a communion meditation. Sister Joseph Marie was buried in the Blessed Mary Angela Section, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.
