February 17, 1933 — September 13, 2026
Sister Mary Janita, of Buffalo, NY, age 93, a Felician Sister for 74 years, entered eternal life on September 13, 2026, while residing at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY.
The former Theresa Krawczyk was born on February 17, 1933, in Buffalo, NY, and was a member of St. Casimir Parish. She entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Felician Sisters in Buffalo, NY, on August 15, 1952, and professed perpetual vows on August 16, 1959.
She graduated from Villa Maria Academy, Buffalo, NY, in 1951, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mount St. Joseph Teachers College (Medaille College), Buffalo, NY, and a Master of Arts Degree from Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, WI.
Sister Mary Janita began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1953, teaching second grade at St. John Kanty School, Buffalo, NY. A lover of young children and a natural teacher, she soon established herself as a strong primary grade teacher ministering at several Buffalo area schools including Assumption, Transfiguration, Precious Blood, Queen of Martyrs, and St. Teresa of Avila in Akron, NY, where she ministered for six years.
Recognizing her talent, initiative, and administrative skills, the Felician Community appointed her as primary grade supervisor for all Felician-staffed elementary schools, a position she held from 1966-82. During this time, Sister Janita studied and promoted the use of developmental reading techniques, attended numerous workshops, and shared her practical knowledge with her colleagues. She founded the Villa Maria Reading Clinic in 1965 to provide after-school remedial reading services to students from area schools. In 1974, the Clinic transitioned to the Villa Maria Learning Center, offering a full day school affiliated with the Diocese of Buffalo School System with Sister Janita serving as director and principal. Concurrently, she also served as a Title 1 diagnostician in the Buffalo public school system, and organized and coordinated the Broadway-Fillmore Area Council Reading program.
In 1982, Sister Janita was appointed principal of St. Aloysius School, Cheektowaga, NY, where she was recognized as “Outstanding Cheektowagan,” acknowledging her as an excellent administrator, implementer of innovative programs, and a visible community-centered leader. In 1988, she became principal of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, Depew, NY, where she ministered until her retirement from education in 2012.
Her rich and productive ministry in education did not limit her full participation in Felician community life. That same love, commitment, and enthusiasm defined her total involvement in community projects, committee work, and presence to her sisters. After concluding her ministry in education, Sister Janita continued to serve her beloved Felician community in a variety of ways. She worked in the archives at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent and managed the purchase of convent office supplies. From 2016 to 2025, she served faithfully as a receptionist at the convent office, welcoming visitors with joyful Franciscan hospitality.
Small in stature yet towering in presence, Sister Janita’s impact on others was immeasurable. She inspired confidence in her students and colleagues alike. As principal, she nurtured a community spirit that nourished not only the minds, but also the hearts, of the entire school community. Colleagues, students, and those she served were drawn to her passion and respected the authority with which she spoke and acted.
Beyond her work, Sister Janita was an avid sports enthusiast who followed all the local professional teams—the Buffalo Bills, the Sabres, and the former Braves. She also attended school sports events as often as possible. Her love for sports reflected her competitive spirit, perseverance, and appreciation for teamwork, qualities that she encouraged in her students.
At the heart of her life was her unwavering faith as a dedicated woman religious. Grounded in prayer and committed to serving others, she embodied the values she professed, inspiring those around her through her integrity, conviction, and steadfast devotion to God and community. Reflecting on her years of religious life, Sister Janita noted that she was “most grateful to God for the gifts of life, faith, vocation and his unconditional love throughout [her] life” thanking God for all the lives she had touched and for all those who touched her life.
An Evening Prayer Service was held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. in the convent chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in the convent chapel. Rev. Bartholomew Lipiec, who served as pastor at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament while Sister Janita was principal at the school, was presider and homilist. The Scripture readings beautifully captured the spirit and witness of Sister Janita’s life. She lived “up to the demands of her labor” and she enjoyed “the success that comes with hard work.” In his remarks, Father Bart noted that this day was a “celebration of a life blessed with 74 years of total commitment to God” clearly evidenced in all her professional and personal accomplishments undertaken in a spirit of “humility all for the glory of God.” Sister
Janita heard and responded wholeheartedly to Jesus’ call to be “the salt of the earth” preserving goodness and bringing the flavor of God’s love to the world.
Sister Janita was buried in the Blessed Mary Angela Section, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.
