Sister Mary Gloria, 82, a Felician Sister for 63 years, died in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY, on March 21, 2026. The former Joan Marie Lewandowski was born on September 23, 1943, in Buffalo, NY, and was a member of Queen of Peace 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 Villa Maria Academy in 1961, she earned an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Villa Maria College, Buffalo, NY, a Bachelor of Science Degree from Medaille College, Buffalo, NY, a Master of Science Degree from Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, and a Master of Science Degree in Education from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sister Mary Gloria began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1964, teaching in the primary grades at St. Josaphat School, Buffalo, NY. Distinguishing herself as an excellent teacher of young children and developmental reading, she taught in elementary schools in the Diocese of Buffalo including Queen of the Most Holy Rosary and St. Luke, Buffalo, NY, and St. Hyacinth, Lackawanna, NY. She also taught Business Studies at Sacred Heart High School, Syracuse, NY, from 1970-72.

Pursuing her keen interest in early childhood education, she became a certified American Montessori Teacher while attending Xavier University in Ohio. Returning to Buffalo, she founded and served as director of the Villa Maria Montessori School sponsored by the Felician Sisters from 1976-83 and then became director of the Montessori Program at the Cantalician Center for Learning from 1983-96.

Drawing on her strong administrative skills, Sister Gloria continued to minister at the Cantalician Center for Learning as Director of Pupil Personnel, Director of Community Services (1996-2007), and as Co-Executive Director. She then went on to minister at Villa Maria College as an administrative assistant in the financial aid and registrar’s offices.

Retiring from active ministry in 2023, Sister Gloria engaged in community life at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent providing input to in-house committees and prayer ministry. She always had a generous heart and a special love for the vulnerable, often reaching out and going that extra mile. Her ministries led her to work with the very young, high school and college students and adults with special needs. She met each ministry with complete dedication trusting in God’s love and guiding presence even when she was “surprised” at times by where God was leading her. In the spirit of Blessed Mary Angela, she unreservedly served “those most in need.”

Sister Gloria is survived by her brother-in-law Leon “Leo” Skurzewski, her niece Amy (Christopher) Shultz, her nephew David (Melissa) Skurzewski, great nieces and a great nephew. She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Veronica “Vera” (Szewc) Lewandowski and her sister, Carol Skurzewski.

A wake for Sister Mary Gloria will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by an Evening Prayer Service at 5 p.m. in the convent chapel. Another viewing will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., in the convent chapel followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. 

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 Gloria's Tribute page.