Sister Mary Felicia Golembiewski-Dove, 86, a Felician Sister for 68 years, passed away at Harris Hill Nursing Facility in Lancaster, New York on Friday, December 11, 2020. The former Eleanor Golembiewski-Dove was born on March 5, 1934, in Perry, NY to the late Anna (nee Ramus) Golembiewski-Dove and John Golembiewski.  She was a member of St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Perry.  She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on July 16, 1952, and professed perpetual vows on August 6, 1960.  She furthered her education at Daemen (Rosary Hill) College, Amherst, NY where she earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Education from Canisius College of Buffalo.

Sister Felicia began her ministry as an elementary Catholic parochial school teacher at Queen of the Most Holy Rosary School in Buffalo.  She taught at many parochial schools in the Diocese of Buffalo.  In 1980, while teaching at St. John Gualbert School in Cheektowaga, she also served as principal.  At St. Andrew School, in Sloan, she was the Assistant Principal and taught Grade 8.  She enjoyed working with elementary school children for 17 years and challenged them to continue learning.

Gifted in the field of Science, she taught this subject at several high schools.  She taught General Science at Sacred Heart in Syracuse, Bishop Gibbons in North Tonawanda, and Cardinal O'Hara in Tonawanda.  In 1967, she accepted the position of serving as the instructor of Natural Science at Villa Maria College of Buffalo.  Returning to teaching on the secondary level, she taught Biology at Villa Maria Academy of Buffalo.  She taught Science in high schools for 18 years not only as a subject but heightening the awareness of the natural beauty of creation in the world.

In 1996, Sister Felicia assumed the responsibility of being the administrator of Villa Angela Convent in Elma, NY – a summer home for the sisters.  She oversaw the maintenance of the building and grounds for 8 years, assuring her guests of a pleasant stay.   She assisted at the Response to Love Center in Buffalo and as a part- time receptionist at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent Office.  Sister Felicia was always available for projects such as, composing community prayer intentions, making posters for different occasions and events, baking Christmas cookies and preparing butter lambs for Easter.

On December 6, 2013, because of illness, Sister Felicia became a patient in the Blessed Mary Angela Care Center in Buffalo.  On her 60 ^th anniversary in religious life she wrote, "I feel sincere gratitude in receiving perseverance in this life and to be of service to so many people both inside and outside of community.  It's been a challenge."

Sister Felicia is the loving sister of the late Robert Dove, Arthur Dove, Richard Dove, Dolores McMahon, Alberta Macha, Natalie Carlino and Christine Zupkofska.  She is also 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 Felicia's Tribute page.