Sister Mary Henriella Kakol, 96, a Felician Sister for 79 years, died in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Cheektowaga, NY, on May 10, 2022.   The former Mary Kakol was born on May 17, 1925, in Olean, NY, and was a member of Transfiguration Parish.  She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on July 9, 1942, and professed perpetual vows on August 6, 1950.  After graduating from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, Buffalo, NY, she furthered her education at Canisius College of Buffalo where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and State University of New York at Buffalo with a Master of Science in Education degree.

Sister Mary Henriella began her teaching ministry at Queen of Peace School, Buffalo, NY.  She taught in Catholic elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo for 45 years.  Ministering at St. Stanislaus School, Buffalo, NY, for eight years, Sister taught fifth grade and assisted with the school's outstanding choral group.  She also taught religion at Villa Maria Academy, Buffalo, NY, and at Sacred Heart High School, Syracuse, NY. Possessing strong organizational and interpersonal skills, Sister served as principal at Our Lady of Częstochowa School, Cheektowaga, NY, and later, at Queen of Peace School, Buffalo, NY.  Sister Henriella was an effective educator and an accomplished musician.

In 1990, Sister Henriella became a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent assuming responsibilities in the food service department.  Later, she served as receptionist at the convent office.  Moving to St. Francis Residence Convent in 2008, Sister assisted the residents in various capacities.  On July 1, 2015, Sister Henriella joined the community at Blessed Mary Angela Care Center.  Graciously embracing this stage of her life, Sister Henriella remained a source of encouragement and edification to her sisters and staff with her warm personality, thoughtfulness, and caring presence.  Her innate compassion was most visible as she companioned her beloved sister, Sister Mary Fidelma, on her journey to her eternal reward.  Sister Henriella faithfully participated in daily Mass and prayers, finding her way to the chapel whenever possible.  Deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother, Sister Henriella promoted devotion to Our Lady throughout her life.  Joy and gratitude for God's steadfast love filled her heart and deeply touched all those who knew her.

Sister Henriella is survived by her sister, Rita Ann King, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Josephine (Gnas) Kakol, her sister, SM Fidelma Kakol, CSSF, and her brothers, Stanley Kakol and Joseph Kakol.

A wake for Sister Henriella will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent Chapel on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, from 2 to 4 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 4 PM.

The Mass will be live streamed via Zoom.  Please click this URL to join: https://feliciansisters.zoom.us/j/82833247720

Interment will take place in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY, on Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 1 PM.

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 Henriella's Tribute page.

Sr. Henriella's Memorial Video