Sister Joseph Marie, 77, a Felician Sister for 57 years, died in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Williamsville, NY, on October 19, 2024.   The former Joanne Marczak was born on July 19, 1947, in Buffalo, NY to Natalie (nee Wojcinski) and Joseph Marczak, and was a member of Infant of Prague Parish, Cheektowaga, NY.  She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on December 11, 1966, and professed perpetual vows on August 11, 1974.  After graduating from Bishop Colton High School, Buffalo, NY, she earned an Associate of Applied Science from Villa Maria College of Buffalo, a Bachelor of Science from Daemen (Rosary Hill) College, Amherst, NY, and a Master of Science from Canisius College of Buffalo.  Sister Joseph Marie also held a certificate in gerontology from Canisius College of Buffalo and a certificate as a bereavement facilitator from the American Academy of Bereavement.

Sister Joseph Marie began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1968 as a primary grade teacher at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, Depew, NY.  She served the Diocese of Buffalo as an educator for twenty-two years, first as a teacher in area elementary schools and then as a Social Studies teacher at Notre Dame High School, Batavia, NY, and at Villa Maria Academy, Buffalo, NY, where she also taught music and art.  As a teacher, she encouraged her students to discuss and debate important political, social, and economic issues drawing out their "creative genius." The sharing of her musical talent as a choral and handbell choir director brought a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to many high school students under her instruction especially as they performed at different local events.

In 1993, Sister Joseph Marie began to focus her energies on her long desire to be of service to the elderly, sick, dying, and bereaved.  As a pastoral associate at St. Josaphat Parish, Cheektowaga, NY, Sister Joseph Marie experienced many opportunities to develop her gifts and talents, especially as she met with and counseled individuals and families struggling with sickness and grief.  Sister Joseph Marie also served at Ascension Parish, North Tonawanda, NY, and St. Gabriel Parish, Elma, NY.  Her strong work ethic and desire to spark the faith of young and old led her to initiate innovative and inspiring programs at the parishes she served.  However, closest to her heart was the ministry of presence to those suffering losses.  Her dedication to living wholeheartedly the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy in her daily ministry is her legacy.

After ministering selflessly as a pastoral associate, counselor, and compassionate companion for twenty-four years, Sister Joseph served as a receptionist at Christ the King Seminary, East Aurora, NY, as she cared for her ailing mother.  Her own long endurance of chronic illness, brought Sister Joseph Marie home to Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent where she began her personal journey back to God to whom she dedicated her life as a Felician Sister faithfully following in the footsteps of Blessed Mary Angela.

Sister Joseph Marie is survived by her sister, Diane (Joseph) Ventresca, her brother Charles (Susan) Marczak, and nieces and nephews.

A wake for Sister Joseph Marie will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, 600 Doat Street on Monday, October 21, 2024, from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by an Evening Prayer Service at 5 p.m. at the Convent Chapel.

Viewing will also take place prior to Mass on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 10:30 a.m. at the Convent Chapel.

The Mass will be live-streamed via Zoom. Please Click Here to watch live on Tuesday 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 Joseph Marie's Tribute page.