Sister Mary Sidonia, 92, a Felician Sister for 73 years, died at the Blessed Mary Angela Care Center, Buffalo, NY, on September 22, 2012. The former Irene Luczak was born on March 29, 1920 in Buffalo, NY. She was a member of St. Stanislaus Parish, Buffalo, NY. She entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of the Felician Sisters in Buffalo, NY, on July 7, 1939, and professed perpetual vows on August 6, 1947. After graduating from the Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy in Buffalo, NY, she furthered her education at Mount St. Joseph Teachers College now known as Medaille College in Buffalo, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. She also received a Master of Science degree from The Canisius College of Buffalo.

Initially, Sister Sidonia taught primary grades at schools within the Diocese of Buffalo and at St. Mary School, New York Mills, NY. In September 1994, she was missioned to St.Stanislaus Kostka Day Care Center in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, where she served 9 years as a full time teacher. She was a very conscientious teacher who loved her students and taught them well. She also had a unique sense of humor.

Upon her return to the United States, she continued teaching at the junior high level. From 1963 to 1966, she served at Sao Paulo, Brazil, in South America where she taught at the American School. Upon her return to the Unite States, she resumed teaching elementary school children. At St. Andrew School, Sloan, NY, and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary School, Buffalo, NY, she also served as principal while teaching.

In 1974, Sister Sidonia became involved in education on the secondary level as guidance counselor at Villa Maria Academy, Buffalo and Baker Victory High School, Lackawanna, NY. She was also the assistant principal at Cardinal O'Hara High School, Tonawanda, NY, for a year.

With her assignment to St. Michael Parish, Lackawanna, NY, Sister Sidonia began her ministry as a parish minister and Religious Education coordinator for 15 years. She continued ministering as a parish minister and Religious Education teacher at Queen of Martyrs, St. Luke's, St. Adalbert and St. Teresa of Avila parishes.

She became a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Provincial House in 2001. In April, 2005, because of her failing health, she became a patient in the Felician Sisters Health and Wellness Center, now known as Blessed Mary Angela Care Center.

Beloved daughter of the late Anna (nee Ryba) and Leon Luczak. Sister Sidonia is survived by her brother, Anthony, her sister-in-law, Janice Luczak, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents the late Leon and Anna (Ryba) Luczak and her brother, Raymond.

A wake for Sister Sidonia will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Central Convent on Sunday, September 23, 2012 from 2 to 5 p.m .. An Evening Prayer Service will take place on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 24 at 1 p.m. in the Convent Chapel. Burial will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga, NY.

Memorials may be made to Felican SIsters, 600 Doat St. Cheektowaga, NY 14211. Arrangements by Pietszak Funeral Home.