Sister Mary Francianne, 81, a Felician Sister for 62 years, died in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY, on September 11, 2026. The former Laurie Zielezinski was born on April 16, 1945, in Buffalo, NY, and was a member of St. Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr Parish. She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on August 1, 1964, and professed perpetual vows on August 2, 1970.

After graduating from Bishop Colton High School in 1963, she earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Villa Maria College, Buffalo, NY, a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree from Medaille College, Buffalo, NY, and a Master of Science in Education Degree from State University of New York College at Buffalo (Buffalo State College).

Sister Mary Francianne began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1966, teaching in the primary grades. She taught in Buffalo area schools including St. John Kanty, St. Adalbert, and St. Stanislaus. She also ministered as a primary grade teacher and reading coordinator at St. Stephen School, Grand Island, NY, and St. John de LaSalle School, Niagara Falls, NY. Sister Francianne was an enthusiastic and creative teacher, sensitive to student learning styles. She instilled an excitement for learning and a deep sense of mutual respect among her students that created the optimum learning environment for each child to meet their full potential.

That same enthusiasm and ability to develop strong working relationships with students and their parents, made Sister Francianne an excellent administrator. She served as principal at Fredonia Catholic, Southtowns Catholic, Lakeview, NY, and Our Lady of Black Rock Consolidated School, Buffalo, NY. While principal at Southtowns Catholic, Sister Francianne saw its expansion with the addition of four new classrooms. She was also instrumental in the implementation of a computer-assisted instructional program at the school.

Completing her role as principal at Our Lady of Black Rock School, Sister Francianne’s love for children and commitment to quality education led her to return to the classroom as a computer teacher and librarian at St. John Vianney School, Orchard Park, NY. Later, she substituted in area diocesan schools from 2014-2024, having dedicated herself to Catholic education in the Diocese of Buffalo for 58 years.

Reflecting on her 50th jubilee of religious life, Sister Francianne found it hard to believe how quickly those years had gone by in service to God and Church, acknowledging how deeply her parents, family, sisters in community, friends and those who she ministered to over the years had deeply touched and blessed her life. She regarded preparing young children for First Holy Communion as her greatest gift and privilege. Sister Francianne was proud to be a Felician Sister and emulated Blessed Mary Angela, foundress of the Felician Order, in her boundless love of God, compassion, and concern for the salvation of all people.

In 2024, Sister Francianne’s life journey brought her back home to Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent where her life of dedication and service first took root. Sister Francianne now turned her creative energies to tending to her tomato plants in the convent courtyard garden, engaging with her sisters whom she so generously had provided with fresh, locally grown fruits when she was local minister at Villa Angela, Elma, NY. Most of all, she cherished her quiet time in the convent chapel, as she embraced her diminishing health.

Sister Francianne is survived by her brother Richard (Linda), nieces and nephews, and her cousin SM Nicolette Wichrowski, CSSF. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Frances (Wichrowski) Zielezinski and her sisters Irene (late Robert) Miltenberger and Jean (late Joseph) Varga.

A wake for Sister Mary Francianne will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by an Evening Prayer Service at 5 p.m. in the convent chapel. Viewing will also take place on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m. in the convent chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. 

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

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 Francianne's Tribute page.