Sister Mary Virgilyn Grabowski

Sister Mary Virgilyn was a Felician Sister for 63 years.
December 17, 1943 — January 11, 2025

 Sister Mary Virgilyn, of Erie, PA, age 81, a Felician Sister for 63 years, entered eternal life on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY.

The former Carol Grabowski was born on December 17, 1943, in Erie, PA, and was a member of Holy Trinity Parish. She entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Felician Sisters in Buffalo, NY, on June 25, 1961, and professed perpetual vows on August 3, 1969. She graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, Buffalo, NY, and went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree from Villa Maria College of Buffalo and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Medaille (Mount St. Joseph) College.

Sister Virgilyn began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1964 as a primary grade teacher at St. Stanislaus School, Buffalo, NY. She served the Diocese of Buffalo as an educator for seventeen years, first at the primary level and then as a teaching principal at Holy Spirit School, North Collins, NY. She also ministered in the Diocese of Ogdensburg as a religious education teacher and librarian at St. Peter School, Lowville, NY. As a primary grade teacher, Sister Virgilyn was gentle and solicitous for the total well-being of her students. As principal, Sister Virgilyn promoted a caring, student-centered atmosphere.

An outgoing person possessing a broad range of practical skills, Sister Virgilyn effectively served in key internal ministries at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent. She had a sharp memory and loved being around people and talking with them on a personal level.

Appropriately, she served at the center of community life as receptionist at the convent office and gift shop for nearly twenty-five years. Her positive presence, welcoming smile, and ability to focus on the individual added a sincere warmth to the Franciscan hospitality she offered every visitor. She also ministered as a medical driver for the sisters receiving healthcare and was available to provide for any other transportation needs of the sisters. For many years she meticulously managed the fleet of convent cars insuring that all safety and maintenance concerns were addressed. Whatever the task, it was carried out with care and accuracy. Her willingness to step into any position where help was needed defined her ministries

Deep gratitude marked Sister Virgilyn’s reflection on the 50th anniversary of her life as a Felician Sister. Her vocation was a gift and being able to faithfully live out that vocation daily was an even greater gift. Every milestone in religious life, her sisters in community, family, and the many friends who supported her were among her most cherished blessings and memories.

An Evening Prayer Service was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the convent chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the convent chapel. Rev. Richard Jedrzejewski was presider and homilist. In his remarks, Father Richard noted the energy and dedication that Sister Virgilyn brought to her ministries and many relationships. Her active listening often brightened the day and brought healing to those with whom she interacted. She cared deeply about her sisters in community and always worked to make things better for those in her care. Her life was marked by simplicity and a strong faith.

Sister Mary Virgilyn was buried in the Blessed Mary Angela Section, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Serving where needed since 1874

Founded in Poland in 1855, the Felician Sisters are a congregation of women religious inspired by the spiritual ideals of their foundress, Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, and Saints Francis of Assisi, Clare of Assisi and Felix of Cantalice. Arriving in North America in 1874 following Blessed Mary Angela’s directive “to serve where needed,” they helped to weave the social service system. Today, the Felician Sisters founded, sponsor or support through the presence of our sisters, more than 40 ministries – all continuing to evolve to meet the needs of the people they serve.

Sign up for our e-newsletter

Provincial Offices

Provincial Information

  • Felician Sisters of North America is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.
  • EIN 27-1282473
Felician Sisters of North America