Sister Marcella Marie, 86, a Felician Sister for 63 years, died in Mercy Hospital of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, on February 12, 2026. The former Marcella Garus was born on January 16, 1940, in Buffalo, NY, and was a member of St. Casimir Parish. She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on August 1, 1962, and professed perpetual vows on August 3, 1969.

After graduating from Bishop Colton High School in 1957, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from D’Youville College, Buffalo, NY, and a Master Degree in Business Administration from the University of Detroit, Michigan.

Sister Marcella Marie began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1963, teaching Business Studies at Villa Maria Academy, Buffalo, NY. She went on to teach at Bishop Colton High School and at Bishop Gibbons High School, North Tonawanda, NY. In 1968, she became the business administrator at Villa Maria College of Buffalo, a position she held for ten years. During this time, she established herself as a knowledgeable, commanding yet collaborative leader, well versed in the financial work and functions of the college.

Sister Marcella’s personal qualities and experiences made her the perfect candidate for President ofVilla Maria College. In 1978, Sister Marcella Marie was installed as the third president of Villa Maria College of Buffalo. Over the course of the next forty years Sister Marcella Marie, recognized as a “generational visionary” by her colleagues, worked faithfully and diligently to make Villa Maria College not only a premier institution but a “home” to faculty and students alike. Her “work” was to fully realize the vision and mission of the college through her dedicated service and commitment. During her tenure Sister Marcella saw the college increase its enrollment, transition from a two-year commuter college to a baccalaureate granting institution, undergo major interior renovations, and develop an international studies program for exchange students. She was also instrumental in the establishment of Collegiate Village Apartments—a housing project for students attending local colleges.

Sister Marcella Marie was a member of many professional organizations including the Professional Business Women’s Association, WNY Consortium for Higher Education, Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, and the American Association for Higher Education. Her achievements and ability to guide, direct, and lead earned her well-deserved recognition, including the New York State 2009 Woman of Distinction Award, Governor’s Award for Excellence in Education, Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities Higher Education Leadership Award, Bishop’s Medal for Catholic Education, Am-Pol Eagle Citizen of the Year, and the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce Appreciation Award.

Professional commitments did not prevent Sister Marcella Marie from contributing to the local community, serving on the boards of various organizations and institutions, acting as a notary public, and actively supporting Villa Maria College at numerous events. She was deeply involved in the parishes where she resided, serving as lector, Eucharistic Minister, and religious education coordinator and teacher. Her many talents and gifts were generously shared within her Felician community as she participated in general and provincial chapters, served as chairperson/member of various committees, and volunteered her services at many community events.

Upon her retirement from the college in June 2018, Sister Marcella entered a new phase of ministrywith characteristic “grace, gratitude and joy.” After a period of spiritual and personal renewal, following the counsel of Blessed Mary Angels “to love is to serve,” Sister Marcella served as local minister at Queen of Martyrs Convent while ministering as chauffeur for the sisters residing at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, transporting them to medical appointments. After moving to Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent in 2023, Sister Marcella managed the reception desk with warmth and professionalism.

Sister Marcella’s remarkable career was only surpassed by love for her Felician Franciscan vocation and dedication to her Felician community. She saw her vocation, serving God through service to others as a Felician sister, as the “greatest gift” received and source of “blessing, gratitude, fulfillment and happiness.”

Sister Marcella Marie is survived by her brother Robert (Karen) Garus and her sister Kathleen (the late Robert) Ives, and nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore and Clara (Rucinski).

A wake for Sister Marcella Marie will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, 600 Doat Street, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 1 to 5 PM followed by an Evening Prayer Service at 5 PM in the convent chapel. There will also be a viewing on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 9-10 AM in the convent followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 AM. 

Burial 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 Marcella’s Tribute page.