Sister Linda Lanighan, SSMN, 1943-2024

Sister Linda Lanighan, who cared for the youngest and oldest of the diocese, died March 8, 2024, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence in Clarence.

Sister Linda, formerly known as Sister Mary James, began her life May 2, 1943, in Lockport. The daughter of James and Mildred (Erie) Lanighan.

After completing secondary school at DeSales Catholic High School, she joined the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur in the fall of 1962 and made her final profession April 23, 1973. 

She received a bachelor of science degree in education from Medaille College in 1971. She taught kindergarten and first grade at St. John School in Kenmore, often teaching reading. This ability to work with the youngest continued at St. Mary in Lockport; St. Ann in Florence, South Carolina; and St. Ann in Kingstree, South Carolina. However, in 1978, she returned to Florence in a different role, working at St. Ann Parish and combining this with hospital visitation. It was the beginning of a change in direction. She later worked in the sisters’ infirmary at Mount St. Mary, was pastoral assistant at St. John, Kenmore, and at St. Paul, Kenmore. Although Sister Linda seemed to be naturally gifted in dealing with the sick, she took many courses to help her understand their problems and needs: hospice care, organ donation, coping with life, and a number of pastoral care programs. She studied these at hospitals, Niagara University, Notre Dame University and Aquinas Institute. 

As Sister Linda grew older, she grew even closer to the people and patients she served. Her Christmas mailing list sent out over 100 cards, most going to elderly people, many of whom lived alone. She often purchased gifts for all those she visited. 

Sister Linda’s life was a story of dealing with the most vulnerable of God’s family. She chose the youngest and the oldest and the ones who were ill and dying. She always directed her attention to those who needed her most.

She is survived by a sister, Patricia. She was predeceased by her siblings Rosemary, Eugene and James. 

A wake will be held on Monday, March 11 from 2-5 p.m. at St. Mary Center, 241 Lafayette Avenue, Buffalo. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary Center on March 11 at 7 p.m.