Deacon Thomas E. Schultz, who served the Diocese of Buffalo since 1989, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. Deacon Tom and his wife, Gini, served the diocese in many capacities and oversaw the Family Life Department for many years. Born Feb. 27, 1934, in Buffalo, to Edward and Julia (Bender) Schultz, Deacon Tom was educated at […]
Sister Elaine Bane, OSF, died Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany. She was born Helen Catherine Mary Bane on April 5, 1924, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the daughter of Michael and Helen Killilea Bane. Sister Elaine attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Cambridge. She attended Emmanuel College […]
Father Joachim Anthony Giermek, OFM Conv., 80, a Franciscan Friar of Our Lady of the Angels Province, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, at Ellicott City, Maryland. Born in Buffalo, on Apr. 2, 1943, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary (Kowalczyk) Giermek. He was predeceased by his sister, Anne Holmes, […]
Teacher and lover of science, Sister Virginia Balk, OSF, died Dec. 9 in Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Amherst. She was 82. Born in Buffalo, on June 21, 1941, the daughter of Casper J. and Helen (Herb) Balk, grew up in the Masten Park and Bailey-Delavan neighborhoods, attending St. Mary of Sorrows School before going to […]
Sister Janet Finley, OSF, passed away Dec. 4, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany. She was born March 5, 1934, in Moline, Illinois, daughter of Wilfred and Eleanor Brubaker Finley of Miami. She entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany congregation on Aug. 22, 1955. Then was received into the congregation on Aug. 15, 1956; […]
Sister Marie Stachowiak died peacefully on Dec. 10, 2023, at St. Francis Park in the 82nd year of life and the 62nd year of religious life. Mary Anne Stachowiak was born on Dec. 3, 1941, in Buffalo to John and Rose (Lemka) Stachowiak. On Aug. 2,1959, she entered the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph as […]
Sister Mary Norine Truax, RSM, passed away Dec. 4, 2023. She is remembered for her service to children with special needs. Born Phyllis Joann Truax, the youngest of six daughters of Guy and Anne (Johnson) Truax grew up in Lakewood. She graduated from the public school there in 1949. Religious life was a central part […]
Sister Patricia Kelly, RSM (formerly Sr. Mary Leonarda, RSM) passed away on Nov. 22, 2023. Sister Patricia was survived by her siblings Leo Michael Kelly Jr. and Julie Soeder. She was predeceased by her parents, late Leo M. and Estelle (Graff) Kelly, and her siblings Mary Anne O’Donnell, Vincent Kelly and Catherine Kelly. Family and […]
Father Ivan R. Trujillo, known for his work in migrant ministry, passed away Nov. 24, 2023. The recently retired priest had served 38 years in the Diocese of Buffalo. He was born in Oruro, Bolivia, on Dec. 12, 1951, to Ignacio and Angelica Trujillo. After elementary school in his hometown, he attended Marian Central High […]
Deacon Norman E. Foster died at his home in Snyder on Nov. 14, 2023. He was 92 years old. Born in the Southern Tier hamlet of Obi, on Nov. 19, 1930, he was the second youngest son of Cleo Foster Sr. and Gladys (Owens) Foster. Deacon Foster graduated from Portville High School in 1949 and […]
