Sister Richard Marie Keppeler, SSJ 1935-2024

Sister Richard Marie Keppeler died Oct. 13, 2024, at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence in Clarence after several months of declining health. She was 89.

Born Mary Ann Keppeler in Buffalo July 31, 1935, the only daughter of Ellesworth and Frances (Loesch) Keppeler, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph order in September 1953 and pronounced her final vows in August 1961.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1965 and a master’s in 1971 from Medaille College.

For the first 36 years of her ministry, Sister lived out her conviction: “I firmly believe in the value of Catholic education as a means of serving God and His people.” She taught upper grades at parish schools in Buffalo, Boston and Langford. In 1968, she began 20 years of service at St. Joseph University School and served as assistant principal 1989-1991.

She assisted in the Finance Office of the Sisters of St. Joseph 1983-1985.

Sister’s quiet, calming nature, along with her sense of humor, suited her well for her next ministry as a home health aide 1991-2008.

She moved into a ministry of prayer in 2009, which intensified when she retired to the Sisters Residence in 2020. Throughout, she enjoyed cats, knitting and puzzles.

She is survived by her nephew Eric Keppler, niece Elaine Farber, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A funeral Mass was offered Oct. 21 at the Sisters of St. Joseph Residence in Clarence.