Sister Mary Josanne, 94, a Felician Sister for 75 years, died in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Cheektowaga, NY, on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The former Eleonore Buszek was born on February 3, 1932, in Erie, PA. She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on August 14, 1951, and professed perpetual vows on August 14, 1958. After graduating from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, Buffalo, NY, Sister Josanne earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Daemen College (Rosary Hill), Buffalo, NY, and a Master of Social Work degree from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Sister Josanne began her ministry as a Felician Sister at Guardian Angel Day Care Center in Buffalo, NY, 1952-54. For the next ten years, she served the Diocese of Buffalo as a primary grade teacher in area elementary schools including Sacred Heart School, Bennington Center, NY, where she taught four years.

As a certified child care worker, Sister Josanne ministered at Immaculate Heart of Mary Children’s Home, Cheektowaga, NY, from 1964-1979. During that time, she filled multiple roles with her characteristic enthusiasm, energy, and dedication while completing her master’s degree in social work. Sister Josanne served as a group home supervisor, case worker, independent living program director, and guidance counselor.

In 1980, Sister Josanne was appointed coordinator of the Office of Ministry with Handicapped Persons by Msgr. John J. Conniff, diocesan director of Catholic Charities. Not only her credentials, but also her personal experience with a handicapping condition, made Sister Josanne uniquely qualified for the ministry. She served the Diocese of Buffalo in this capacity for five years while also participating on various related committees for the City of Buffalo and Erie County.

Also, a talented cook and certified food service manager, Sister Josanne was director of food services for the sisters at Villa Maria Infirmary from 1986-2002. Many hours of loving and joyous service filled these 16 years as Sister Josanne and her staff prepared well-planned nutritious meals and desserts for the sisters. With the reorganization of the food service program at the convent, she continued ministering to the sisters by performing other necessary internal duties.

In 2006, following the directive of Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska, foundress of the Felician Sisters, to “serve where you are needed,” Sister Josanne accepted the invitation of Bishop Edward Grosz, pastor at St. Stanislaus Parish, Buffalo, NY, to visit parishioners who were homebound or in healthcare facilities. This ministry to the sick was particularly rewarding for Sister Josanne since it was one of the original works of mercy undertaken by Blessed Mary Angela. After ten years of dedicated service, Sister Josanne returned to Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent where she contributed to the daily operations of the convent and devoted more time to prayer. Even as her health declined, Sister Josanne could be found in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament. Drawing strength from her deep relationship with her Spouse and Lord and her sisters in community, she remained cheerful and engaging with everyone. On the occasion of her sixtieth anniversary of religious life, Sister expressed her profound gratitude to God for her parents, vocation, for the opportunities to serve in various apostolates, and especially for the time to pray.

Sister Josanne is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Francis and Victoria (Nitczynski) Buszek; her sisters Josephine Buszek, Sophie (John) Schiller, Mary (Bernard) Homicz, Agnes (Chester) Oldakowski, Helen (Edward) Miazga, Theresa Ann (Roman) Blaszczyk and Dorothy (John) Makarowski; and her brothers John (Eleanor), Stanley (Helen), Francis Adam, Frank (Anna), Joseph (Josephine), Casimir, Leon (Theresa), and Raymond (Rita); and her cousins SM Martine and SM Alphonsine Baniszewski, both of the Felician Order, and Sister Lois Marie and SM Karen of the Benedictine Order.

A wake for Sister Josanne will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, 600 Doat St Cheektowaga on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 4 to 5 PM followed by an Evening Prayer Service at 5 PM in the convent chapel. There will also be a viewing on Monday morning, August 31, 2026, from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in the convent chapel.

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 Josanne's Tribute page.