Sister Mary Presentia Stawicki, FSSJ, 1931-2020

Sister Mary Presentia Stawicki died peacefully on Nov. 25, 2020, in the 89th year of life and the 71st year of religious life.

Sophia Stawicki was born on May 16, 1931, in Medina to Felix and Hedwig (nee Ciosek) Stawicki. On Jan. 5, 1948, she entered the convent as a postulant and professed her final vows on July 12, 1952.

Sister Presentia received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Medaille College in Buffalo, and a master’s in Theological Studies from Catholic University, Washington, D.C.

For 30 years, Sister Presentia ministered in the field of education. She served as a teacher at St. Joseph in North Tonawanda, St. Michael in Bridgeport, Conn., St. Sebastian in Dearborn Heights, Mich., and St. Barnabas in Depew. Sister Presentia also served as a teacher, guidance counselor and principal at Immaculata Academy and as dean of students at Hilbert College, both in Hamburg. Sister Presentia then changed course and entered the arena of pastoral care. While caring for her sister for some years, she simultaneously served in pastoral care and the religious education program at Sacred Heart Parish in Medina and then at St. Clare Manor in Lockport. For the last 30 years of her ministerial life, Sister Presentia served God’s people in Medina as a pastoral associate at Sacred Heart Parish and then at Holy Trinity Parish where she was much loved by the parishioners.

Sister Presentia will be remembered for her generosity of heart, spirit and service to others. Whether she was visiting the sick and elderly, teaching the faith to the youth in her parish, or leading a Scripture study group, she did so with great attention to the other. Sister Presentia was very involved with the FSSJ Associates in Medina, guiding them in their growth in Franciscan spirituality and service. Her joyful manner endeared her to all whom she served.

Sister Presentia is survived by her sister-in-law, Sister Marvina Kupiszewski and her brother-in-law, John Kupiszewski.

Funeral services will be held privately. Burial took place at St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga.