Sister Francis Clare Perry, OSF 1930-2024

Sister Francis Clare Perry, OSF, a teacher and educator even after retirement, passed away June 11, 2024, at the Stella Niagara Health Center. She was 94.

Born March 11, 1930, to Edward and Anna (McMahon) Perry, the Buffalo native graduated from Blessed Sacrament School, Buffalo Academy of the Sacred Heart, and Rosary Hill College in Amherst with a bachelor of science degree in Education in 1960.

She entered Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity order on Sept.2, 1947 at Stella Niagara. She professed her first vows three years later, and professed her final vows Aug. 15, 1953, taking the name Sister Majella.

Sister Francis Clare taught at St. Ann School, Buffalo; St. Lawrence School, Buffalo; and St. Joseph School, Gowanda, where she also served as vice principal and later principal. From 1979-1983, she served as principal of St. Peter School in Lewiston. SisterFrancis Clare also served as a teacher and principal in the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio.

After retiring in 2000, Sister Frances Clare volunteered at SS. Columba & Brigid Montessori School in Buffalo, and at Francis Center in Niagara Falls. She moved to the Stella Niagara Health Center in September 2012.

Sister Francis Clare is predeceased by her parents and siblings Sister Mae Perry, RSM; Edward Perry; Sister Luranna Perry, RSM; Eugene Perry; John Perry; Sister Rose Perry, OSF; Patricia Hinterberg, Nelson Perry, Robert Perry and Ursula Perry. She is survived by her sister Anna Perry.

A funeral Mass will be held10 a.m., June 20, in the Sisters’ Chapel at Stella Niagara. Burial will take place at the Sisters’ Cemetery, Stella Niagara.