Sister Mary DeAngelis Nowak, 86, a Felician Sister for 67 years, passed away at Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Lancaster, New York on Monday, December 14, 2020. The former Theresa Nowak was born on July 28, 1934, in Buffalo, NY to the late Pelagia (nee Przybyl) and Vincent Nowak.  She was a member of St. Stanislaus Parish in Buffalo.  She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on July 16, 1953, and professed perpetual vows on August 3, 1961.  She graduated from Girls Vocational High School in Buffalo, NY.  She furthered her education at Medaille (Mt. St. Joseph) College, Buffalo, NY where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Business Administration from Marywood College in Scranton, PA.

The first ministry of Sister DeAngelis was at St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where she assisted with child care.  The following year, in 1957, she began teaching students at the primary level at St. John Kanty School, Buffalo, NY.  She continued teaching in elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo for eight years.

In 1965, Sister DeAngelis embarked on her ten-year stay at Sacred Heart School in Syracuse, NY.  She taught English and Business subjects to students on the secondary level.  Six years later she accepted the position of serving as principal at Sacred Heart High School.

Upon her return to Buffalo, she joined the faculty at Villa Maria College of Buffalo as the instructor of Business Studies.  In 1998, she accepted the position of Vice-President of Business Affairs which she held for 32 years.  She was always diligent and precise in her undertakings.  In 2010, she became the Coordinator of Accounts Payable for four years.

Sister DeAngelis treasured her vocation to the Felician Congregation.  She ministered to the sisters in local leadership.  She was also a member of the Associate Program Team for some time.

In February 2014, she became a patient in the Blessed Mary Angela Care Center.  For a few years she assisted the local communicator with clerical work until her failing health curtailed this service.  In addition to praying, she spent much time in reading – a pastime which she always enjoyed.

Sister DeAngelis is the loving sister of the late Clara Sakoski and Irene Krzeminski.  She is survived by many nieces and nephews.

Felician Sisters and family will celebrate a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial at a future date.

Interment at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, in Cheektowaga, New York.

Memorials may be made to Felician Sisters, 600 Doat Street Cheektowaga, New York 14211.

Please share a picture in our online Photo Album or a favorite memory in our Guest Book here on Sister DeAngelis's Tribute page.

Sister DeAngelis's Memorial Video