Sister M. Virgilyn Grabowski, CSSF, 1943-2025

Sister Mary Virgilyn Grabowski, 81, a Felician Sister for 63 years, died in Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent, Buffalo on Jan. 11, 2025.   

The former Carol Ann Grabowski was born on Dec. 17, 1943, in Erie, Pennsylvania. She entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters on June 25, 1961, and professed perpetual vows on Aug. 3, 1969. After graduating from Immaculate Heart Mary Academy in Buffalo, she earned an associate of applied science degree from Villa Maria College of Buffalo, and a bachelor of science in Education from Mount St. Joseph (now Medaille) College, also in Buffalo.

Sister Virgilyn began her ministry as a Felician Sister in 1964 as a primary grade teacher at St. Stanislaus School, Buffalo. She served the Diocese of Buffalo as an educator for 17 years, first at the primary level and then as a teaching principal at Holy Spirit School, North Collins. She also ministered in the Diocese of Ogdensburg as a religious education teacher and librarian at St. Peter School, Lowville. As a primary grade teacher, Sister Virgilyn was gentle and solicitous for the total well-being of her students. As principal, she promoted a caring, student-centered atmosphere.

An outgoing person possessing a broad range of practical skills, Sister Virgilyn effectively served in key internal ministries at Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent. She had a sharp memory and loved being around people and talking with them on a personal level.  Appropriately, she served at the center of community life as a receptionist at the convent office and gift shop for nearly 25 years. She also ministered as a medical driver for the sisters receiving health care and was available to provide any other transportation needs of the sisters.  Whatever the task, it was carried out with care and accuracy. Her willingness to step into any position where help was needed defined her ministries.

Deep gratitude marked Sister Virgilyn’s reflection on the 50th anniversary of her life as a Felician Sister. Her vocation was a gift, and being able to faithfully live out that vocation daily was an even greater gift. Every milestone in religious life, her sisters in the community, her family, and the many friends who supported her were among her most cherished blessings and memories.

Sister Mary Virgilyn is survived by her sister, Rosemarie Miller. She was predeceased by her parents Stanley and Victoria (Krauza) Grabowski, her aunt, Sister M. Rachel Krauza, CSSF, and her cousins Sister M.  Evantia Piorkowski, Sister M.  Doloria Piorkowski, and Sister M.  Xavier Golba, all of the Felician Order.

A wake for Sister Virgilyn will be held at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent on Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. followed by an evening prayer service at 5 p.m. in the convent chapel. There will also be a viewing on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated at 10:30 a.m. in the convent chapel.  

Interment will follow in St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Cheektowaga.