Sister Mary Angelis Lemka died peacefully on Feb. 22, 2025, at St. Francis Park in the 99th year of life and the 79th year of religious life.
Sister Angelis was born on Nov. 24, 1925, in Buffalo, to Joseph and Veronica (Niemet) Lemka. Living near Corpus Christi Parish, she attended grade school there and was taught by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Agnetta was her “confidante” and influenced her the most. Through her high school years, she maintained very close contact with all the sisters at Corpus Christi.
After high school she joined the Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph community. On Aug. 30, 1944, she became a postulant and on July 11, 1949, Sister Angelis professed her final vows.
Sister Mary Angelis received her master’s degree in Education/Guidance at St. Bonaventure University. For over 40 years, including 20 years as a school administrator, Sister Angelis served as an educator to God’s people. She began her teaching career at St. Stanislaus School in Trenton, New Jersey. Then, in New York state, Sister Angelis taught at St. Joseph, North Tonawanda; St. Hyacinth, Auburn; St. Barnabas, Depew; and St. Mary of the Lake, Hamburg. Sister Angelis also taught at Queen of Angels in Detroit.
She served as a school administrator at St. Stanislaus, Trenton; St. Casimir, Baltimore; St. Joseph, North Tonawanda; Mother of Diving Grace, Cheektowaga; and St. Charles, Milwaukee. Sister also served a short time as dean of students at Hilbert College in Hamburg, and twice at Immaculata Academy as guidance counselor and director of alumnae. Sister Angelis completed her years of active ministry by serving in a variety of convent ministries.
Having a strong devotion to the Third person of the Holy Trinity, she would turn to the Holy Spirit for inspiration. Her active lifestyle and participation in a myriad of activities kept her busy and independent throughout her life. Sister Angelis enjoyed making rosaries, listening to music, watching the Lawrence Welk Show and cheering on the Buffalo Bills. She had a gift with “needle and thread” and most enjoyed doing sewing repairs for her sisters, especially those in the care community.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Feb. 28, from 3-6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Park, Hamburg, where a memorial prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be offered in the chapel on Saturday, March 1, at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be at St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Cheektowaga.