Obituary of Sister Marie Rosaire Orvis

Born: Gwen Louise Orvis on February 20, 1930 in Winooski, VT. Died: March 14, 2015 in the Healthcare center of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY Daughter of Ceylon and Gladys Olmstead Orvis of Middlebury, VT. She was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, New York at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1953 and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1960. Sister Marie Rosaire had faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for over 50 years. She attended grade school at Jerusalem School in Starkboro, VT, and completed high school at Bristol High School in Bristol, VT. Following her reception into the congregation, Sister earned her Bachelor's in education from St. Elizabeth Teacher's College (now a part of St. Bonaventure University) in 1968. She later would earn her LPN from St. Francis Hospital School of Practical Nursing in Olean, NY, in 1974 and her RN from Felician College in Lodi, NJ, in 1986. Sister's years in ministry began in education. From 1954 to 1970, she taught in a number of schools, including Christ the King, Snyder, NY; St. Mary's, Pompton Lakes, NJ; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Buffalo, NY; St. Joseph's, Niagara Falls, NY; St. John's, Olean, NY; St. Henry's, Averill Park, NY; and Holy Cross School, Bronx, NY. Following her time in nursing school, Sister Marie Rosaire served as a nurse at St. Francis Hospital, Olean, NY and Clara Maass Hospital, Belleville, NJ. Sister was well known for her beautiful leatherwork, ceramics, and knitted afghans, and often sold the items she created and used the money to assist with the sisters in the infirmary at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, who had inspired her to become a nurse. Sister returned to the Motherhouse herself in 1990. Sister Marie Rosaire was predeceased by her parents, and a brother, Oliver. She is survived by four brothers, Jon, James, Joseph, and Dick. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, 2015 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, 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.