Obituary of Sister Carmela Correia

Born: Philomena Elizabeth Correia on July 17, 1918 in Taunton, MA Died: Saturday, June 17, 2017 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. Daughter of Joseph and Rose Moniz Correia of East Taunton, MA. Sister Carmela was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1948, and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1955. Sister faithfully lived the Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for more than 65 years. Sister attended elementary and high school at Perkins Institute in Watertown, MA, graduating in 1937. Prior to entering the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, she was employed as a nursery school and kindergarten teacher, as well as a governess. Sr. Carmela attended St. Elizabeth Teacher College (now part of St. Bonaventure University) in Allegany, NY, earning her B.S. in Education in 1966. Sr. Carmela ministered in education as a primary teacher in schools staffed by the Congregation in Winston Salem, NC; Pittsburg, PA; Winsted, CT; and Everett, MA. Due to vision disability since birth, Sister was gifted with facility in Braille and was especially effective with students who likewise had vision disabilities. In 1997, Sister retired to St. Raphael Convent, West Medford, MA where she continued to share her many gifts and talents with the parishioners and friends. Sr. Carmela was warmly welcomed back to the Motherhouse in 2008. Sister Carmela is predeceased by her parents; sisters, Jane, Oliva, Leonilda, Alice, and Angelina; and brothers, Joseph and Frank. She is survived by two sisters, Beatrice Viera and Anne Motta; and many nieces and nephews. A Wake Service is scheduled for 6:30 PM on Tuesday, June 20, 2017 in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 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.