April 1, 1921 — February 19, 2025
Sister Mary Ursuline, of Erie, PA, age 103, a Felician Sister for 85 years, entered eternal life on Saturday, February 19, 2025, in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY.
The former Josephine Hilinski was born on April 1, 1921, 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 July 7, 1939, and professed perpetual vows on August 6, 1947. She graduated from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, Buffalo, NY, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education from Medaille (Mount St. Joseph) College, Buffalo NY, and a Master of Science in Home Economics Education degree from Syracuse University.
Sister Ursuline considered teaching a great responsibility, privilege, and joy, and demonstrated a great appreciation for each child as a person. She applied educational methodologies and provided varied learning experiences designed to meet the needs of every child. She instilled pride in her students by attractively displaying their work in the classroom. This love for children led her to minister as an educator for over thirty years in three different dioceses.
Sister Ursuline began her ministry as a Felician Sister at St. Josaphat School, Cheektowaga, NY, where she taught Grades 4 and 5. She ministered in Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo for twenty-two years. For six of those years, Sister Ursuline served as principal, first at Queen of Martyrs School, Cheektowaga, NY, and then, at St. Hyacinth School, Dunkirk, NY. She also ministered to the children at Infant Jesus Day Care, Perry, NY, and Guardian Angel Day Care Center, Buffalo, NY.
In the Diocese of Syracuse, she taught religious education classes at St. Joseph Parish, Boonville, NY, for six years. She was an elementary school teacher at St. Stanislaus Kostka School, Binghamton, NY, and at Sacred Heart School, Syracuse, NY. Sister Ursuline also taught Home Economics at Sacred Heart High School, Syracuse, NY, for four years. Many of her former students from Sacred Heart High School fondly remember Sister Ursuline for the practical life skills and lessons she taught in her Home Economic classes. Her famous apple pie recipe is still in the homes of her former students and their families. In the Diocese of Erie, PA, she ministered at Holy Trinity School as an intermediate grade teacher and then in parish ministry.
Beyond the field of education, Sister Ursuline was involved in parish ministry at St. Casimir Parish, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She was engaged in formation work at Holy Name of Mary Convent, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and at Immaculate Heart Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY.
In 1998, Sister Ursuline brought her talents to Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent where she was engaged in internal ministries, caring for the needs of her sisters in community. An excellent seamstress, she managed the provincial vestry, sewing and repairing items for the sisters. Always ready to serve, Sister Ursuline also found time to teach religious education classes at nearby St. Stanislaus Parish, assist as a secretarial aide, and work at the convent office.
After a full and active life, Sister Ursuline readily embraced a ministry of prayer and presence which not only nurtured her soul, but the lives of those around her, sisters and staff alike, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent. Blessed with quick wit and a capturing sense of humor, Sister Ursuline was a joy and a challenge to those around her. Never shy, always sharp and sporting an impish smile, she was a vibrant presence and often the “life of the party.” Being born on April Fool’s Day, she certainly embodied the mischievous and lighthearted humor associated with the day. On her 100th birthday, Sister Ursuline sported a flashy sash that read “100 and Fabulous!” and watched episodes of “I Love Lucy” with her sisters. On that same day, she received her second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. As she was being interviewed by a Buffalo News reporter, referencing the vaccination, she remarked, “I thought it was a good birthday present.”
However, there was a deeply spiritual side to Sister Ursuline that she embraced early in life. She cherished her personal relationship with God and spent many hours in prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Even at 103, she genuflected as best as she could when she entered the chapel acknowledging the Eucharistic presence of her Beloved Spouse. Her eyes radiated her love of God and her soul-deep peace. Reaching a fruitful life of one hundred plus years, she was the beloved wisdom figure of her sisters in community. When celebrating sixty years in religious life, she remarked, “I thank God for my vocation. It’s been indeed a great honor and privilege to work in Christ’s vineyard as his spouse. I certainly consider myself blessed in many ways.”
An Evening Prayer Service was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. in the convent chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. in the convent chapel. Rev. Paul Nogaro was presider and homilist.
In his remarks, Father Paul noted the decades of beautiful memories with which Sister Ursuline has blessed all those who knew her. Drawing on the Gospel reading, Father Paul referred to Sister Ursuline as one of the wise virgins who kept her vessel filled with the oil of love of God and neighbor, shining brightly and leading others to God. She was watchful and waited faithfully on her Lord, ready to answer his call to enter joyfully into his presence.
Sister Mary Ursuline was buried in the Blessed Mary Angela Section, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.
