Sister Suzanne Hitzges, OSF 1940-2024

Sister Suzanne Hitzges OSF, a teacher who served in Puerto Rico, died Feb. 10, 2024. Sister was a member of the Franciscan Sisters for 63 years and was formerly known as Sister Carol Ann.

Born Oct. 5, 1940, in Buffalo. Most of her childhood was spent in Kenmore with her sister and five brothers. She graduated from Mount St. Mary’s Academy and later attended Medaille College in Buffalo, and Catholic University in Puerto Rico. 

Most of her ministry has been in education. She taught at St. Leo the Great, Amherst; St. James, Buffalo; Holy Redeemer, Cheektowaga; St. Francis of Assisi, Buffalo; and Archbishop Carroll and Turner Carroll High School, Buffalo. 

She did parish work with the Hispanics in Holy Cross Parish in Buffalo. She spent 13 years ministering in Puerto Rico as a teacher and principal and four in the Diocese of Miami as the director of religious education. Sister Suzanne spent many years working at St. Mary’s in Swormville teaching Spanish, working as the multimedia librarian, giving retreats, leading Bible prayer groups, and assisting adults who desired to be baptized into the Catholic Church. 

She loved exploring and visiting people of other cultures. Gardening was one of her favorite activities. In the flowers and plants, she saw the great variety of God’s splendor.

Sister is survived by her sister, Carol Norrie, and four brothers, Richard, Robert, Peter and Timothy, many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, Feb. 16, 4-7 p.m. at Amigone Funeral Home,  5200 Sheridan Drive, Williamsville. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 9:30 a.m. at SS. Peter & Paul Church, 5480 Main St., Williamsville. Interment will be at Gethsemane Cemetery, Williamsville.