Sister Mary Janita, 93, a Felician Sister for 74 years, died in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo, NY, on September 13, 2026. The former Theresa Krawczyk was born on February 17, 1933, in Buffalo, NY, and was a member of St. Casimir Parish. She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on August 15, 1952, and professed perpetual vows on August 16, 1959.

After graduating from Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy in 1951, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mount St. Joseph Teachers College (Medaille College), Buffalo, NY, and a Master of Arts Degree from Cardinal Stritch College, Milwaukee, WI.

Sister Mary Janita began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1953, teaching second grade at St. John Kanty School, Buffalo, NY. A lover of young children and a natural teacher, she soon established herself as a strong primary grade teacher ministering at several Buffalo area schools including Assumption, Transfiguration, Precious Blood, Queen of Martyrs, and St. Teresa of Avila in Akron, NY, where she ministered for six years. Recognizing her talent, initiative, and administrative skills, the Felician Community appointed her as primary grade supervisor for all Felician staffed elementary schools, a position she held from 1966-82. During this time, Sister Janita studied and promoted the use of developmental reading techniques, attended numerous workshops, and shared her practical knowledge with her colleagues. She founded the Villa Maria Reading Clinic in 1965 to provide after-school remedial reading services to students from area schools. In 1974, the Clinic transitioned to the Villa Maria Learning Center offering a full day school affiliated with the Diocese of Buffalo School System with Sister Janita serving as director and principal. Concurrently, she also served as a Title 1 diagnostician in the Buffalo public school system, and organized and coordinated the Broadway-Fillmore Area Council Reading program.

In 1982, Sister Janita was appointed principal of St. Aloysius School, Cheektowaga, NY, where she was recognized as “Outstanding Cheektowagan,” acknowledging her as an excellent administrator, implementer of innovative programs, and a visible community-centered leader. In 1988, she became principal of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School, Depew, NY, where she ministered until her retirement from education in 2012.

Her rich and productive ministry in education did not limit her full participation in Felician community life. That same love, commitment, and enthusiasm defined her total involvement in community projects, committee work, and presence to her sisters. After concluding her ministry in education, Sister Janita continued to serve her beloved Felician community in a variety of ways. She worked in the archives at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent and managed the purchase of convent office supplies. From 2016 to 2025, she served faithfully as a receptionist at the convent office welcoming visitors with joyful Franciscan hospitality. Reflecting on her years of religious life, Sister Janita noted that she was “most grateful to God for the gifts of life, faith, vocation and his unconditional love throughout [her] life” thanking God for all the lives she had touched and for all those who touched herlife.

Sister Janita is survived by her sisters Christine (Miles) McKee and Roslyn (late Robert) McGuire; her brothers Fred and Gary; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Genevieve “Jean” (Wisniewski) Krawczyk; her brothers John (Eileen) and Richard (Gloria); and her sisters Joan (late Robert) Wiencek and Mary Ellen Krawczyk.

A wake for Sister Mary Janita will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Wednesday, September 16, 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 Thursday, September 17, 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 Janita’s Tribute page.