Sister Mary Anthony Schifano, RSM 1937–2025
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Sister Mary Anthony Schifano, who molded young minds for 56 years as a teacher, died June 4, 2025, at Mercy Center in South Buffalo.
Born May 4, 1937, in Jamestown as Theresa Margaret Schifano to Anthony and Grace (Viello) Schifano, Sister Anthony attended Willard Street School and Jefferson Junior High, and Jamestown High School.
She came to Mercy Center convent on Sept. 8, 1956. She professed her first vows Aug. 16, 1959, and her final vows three years later.
Sister Anthony went on to attend Santa Maria Jr. College in California, and Mount St. Joseph College (now Medaille) in Buffalo earning a bachelor of science in Education. She also earned a certificate with the Reading Inservice Program through Buffalo State College.
From 1958-2014, she taught younger students in kindergarten through second grade at Holy Family, Buffalo; St. Bonaventure, West Seneca; St. John Vianney, Orchard Park; Immaculate Conception, Wellsville; Our Lady of the Rosary, Wilson; St. Joseph, Albion; St. Teresa, Buffalo; Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, Orchard Park; St. Mary, Olean; Our Lady of Mercy, LeRoy; and St. Bernadette, Orchard Park. She is remembered for making her young students feel safe and loved as they started their education.
After retiring from teaching in 2015, she began serving as switchboard operator and receptionist at Mercy Center.
A funeral Mass was held June 9 at Mercy Center.
