Sister Mary Francelita, 93, a Felician Sister for 75 years, died in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY, on October 27, 2024.  The former Stella Machnica was born on March 30, 1931, in Buffalo, NY, and was a member of Our Lady of Czestochowa Parish, Cheektowaga, NY.  She entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Felician Sisters in Buffalo, NY, on July 16, 1949, and professed perpetual vows on August 13, 1957. After graduating from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy in Buffalo, NY, Sister Francelita earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Medaille (Mount St. Joseph) College, Buffalo, NY, a Master of Science in Education from State University of New York College at Buffalo, and a Master of Science from Canisius College of Buffalo.

Sister Francelita began her ministry as a Felician Sister at St. John Kanty School, Buffalo, NY.  Gentle and compassionate, she taught at the primary level for eleven years in various elementary schools in theDiocese of Buffalo and for one year in the Diocese of Syracuse.  A strong organizer and gifted in science, Sister Francelita later taught science at the junior high school level in the Diocese of Buffalo. Her desire to do whatever she could to help her students achieve their highest potential, coupled with her administrative and leadership skills, gave Sister Francelita the opportunity to serve as principal, a ministry that she excelled in for fifteen years at area Catholic schools, including Holy Spirit, North Collins; Blessed Sacrament, Kenmore; and St. John Kanty, Buffalo.  She was honored for her outstanding service to Catholic Education by the Diocese of Buffalo with the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in 1986.  In that same year she was honored as "Principal of the Month" in the publication Today's Catholic Teacher.

It was in 1990 that Sister Francelita embarked on a long, loving, and fruitful ministry at the Cantalician Center for Learning, Buffalo, NY.  Ministering in various capacities for the next twenty years, Sister Francelita found her "home" at Cantalician remarking, "in my heart, I felt this was the place that I should be…I felt called there."  She served as program director, director of staff and personnel, director of the School Age Program, assistant to the executive director, school administrator, and finally as receptionist.  Each position was a privilege for her and each was carried out with her characteristic openness, kindness, and generosity, beautifully reflecting the compassionate service and total availability of Blessed Mary Angela, foundress of the Felician Sisters.

In 1992, the Felician Sisters opened a new mission in Kingstree, SC, and Sister Francelita was ready to offer her services, helping to set up the beginnings of what is now a vibrant multi-faceted ministry dedicated to meeting the varied needs of the underserved.  Every year forward, Sister Francelita and her sister, the late Sister Mary Edwardine, volunteered for several weeks in the summer at what is now Felician Center, Inc., until their failing health prohibited them from travelling.

Completing her mission at Cantalician Center in 2010, Sister Francelita ministered to her fellow sisters at St. Francis Residence, Buffalo, NY, as vicar and then councilor, while also serving as driver and receptionist, 2010-2015.  Whatever she did, her genuine love and concern for those she served was clearly seen in her cheerful demeanor and ready service.  As sister aged gracefully and health issues began to take their toll, Sister Francelita took up residence at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, where she continued an edifying ministry of prayer and presence.

Reflecting on her life as she celebrated 70 years of religious life, Sister Francelita wrote, "I am overwhelmed with the many gifts God has bestowed upon me…the love of my mother and father…loving brothers and sisters…[being] able to minister in education and to reach out to the poor and needy…and sharing community life with my sister and best friend, Sister Mary Edwardine…. May God bless all whom he put into my life with an abundance of love and many blessings."

Sister Francelita is survived by her brother Walter (Maryann) and her sister Barbara Machnica. She was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Stella (Utecht) Machnica, her sister, Sister Mary Edwardine Machnica, CSSF, and brother, Raymond (late Yoshiko) Machnica.

A wake for Sister Francelita will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by an Evening Prayer Service at 5 p.m. in the Convent Chapel.

There will also be viewing on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM, in the Convent Chapel.

The Mass will be live-streamed via Zoom. Please Click Here to watch live on Thursday morning. (You'll need a "zoom" account prior to log in).

Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.

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 Francelita's Tribute page.