Features Obituaries

Sister Mary Jane Gerwitz, OSF 1934-2024

Western New York Catholic June 12, 2024

Sister Mary Jane Gerwitz, OSF, passed away on June 5, 2024, at the age of 89.

Sister was born Sept. 29, 1934, in the small town of West Valley and grew up on a farm with her seven brothers and two sisters. Sister Mary Jane did her share of laundry, cleaning and cooking, but her heart was in woodworking and woodcarving. She was more at home with an electric saw than an ironing board. Taught by her father, she mastered the art of taking a simple piece of wood and creating hand carved masterpieces.

After joining the Williamsville Franciscan Sisters in 1953 (now known as the Franciscan Sisters of the Neumann Communities), she continued to create masterpieces in the hearts and minds of children across Western New York. She taught at Sacred Heart, Bowmansville; Infant of Prague and Our Lady Help of Christians, Cheektowaga; Most Holy Redeemer, St. James and Sacred Heart, Buffalo; SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg; St. Mary’s, Lancaster; St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville; and St. Vincent, Springbrook to name just a few.

For 14 years she brought joy and comfort to the elderly as the assistant administrator of Holy Family Home in Williamsville.

Being raised on a farm gave Sister Mary Jane an appreciation for the beauty of nature and the care, tenderness and patience needed to bring seeds to their fullest potential. She took those lessons and carried them through all of her ministries. Her gentle presence fell softly on the hearts of all those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Sister Mary Jane is predeceased by her parents Charles and Lagarda (Benz) Gerwitz, and her siblings Gertrude Boer, Howard, Charles, Jane Dunkleman, Gerald, John, Richard, Roger and Cyril.

The family will be present on Wednesday, June 12 from 4-7 p.m. at the Amherst Chapel of Amigone Funeral Homes, 5200 Sheridan Drive. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, June 13 at 9:30 a.m. at SS. Peter & Paul Parish, 5480 Main St., Williamsville.

The Mass will be livestreamed from the parish website. Burial will be at Gethsemane Cemetery.