Obituary of Mary D. Laffey

Born: Mary Delia Laffey on June 6, 1928 in Utica, NY. Died: March 15, 2015 at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY. Daughter of Thomas and Nora Leonard Laffey of Utica, NY. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1947 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1954. Sister Mary Laffey had faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for over 60 years. She attended grade school at St. Agnes and high school at Utica Catholic High School, both in Utica, NY. After entering the congregation, Sister completed her Bachelor's in Education at St. Elizabeth Teacher's College (now part of St. Bonaventure University) in Allegany, NY. In 1966, Sister earned a Master's in Guidance from Villanova University in Villanova, PA. Sister spent much of her time in ministry in education. She served as a teacher at St. Margaret's School in Winsted; St. Aloysius in Oaklyn; Christ the King in Haddonfield, NJ; St. Agnes in Blackwood, NJ; and St. Joseph Convent, Niagara Falls, NY. She also served as the Guidance Counselor for St. Mary of the Angels, Haddonfield, NJ and St. John the Baptist in West Islip, NY, and as principal at St. Agnes Convent in Blackwood, NJ and Blessed Sacrament in Utica, NY. Sister also served in a number of positions within the congregation, including the prefect of co-eds at St. Elizabeth Residence House for St. Bonaventure University, second year novice mistress, local coordinator at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, and assistant to the administrator at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse. In 2001, Sister retired from active ministry. She continued to serve as a sister visitor in the St. Elizabeth Motherhouse until 2009, at which time she retired fully. Sister Mary was predeceased by her parents and sister, Esther Reynolds. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2015, in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2015, in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, New York. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York.