Obituary of M. Bonaventure MacDonald

Born: Mildred Ann MacDonald on February 20, 1926 in Malden, MA. Died: September 24, 2017 at Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY. Daughter of Elmer and Sarah (Boyd) MacDonald of Malden, MA. Sister Bonaventure was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on August 15, 1946, and professed her final religious vows on August 16, 1953. Sister devoted herself to the life and mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for more than 70 years. Sister attended Cheverus Elementary and High Schools in Malden, MA from 1932 - 1944. She received her Bachelor�s in Education from St. Bonaventure University in 1966, and earned her Master�s in Education from Cortland University in 1971. Sister Bonaventure spent decades in ministry as a teacher in various congregational schools throughout Florida, New York, New Jersey, Mississippi and Massachusetts, teaching grades one through six. In addition to teaching, she oversaw a variety of parish programs, including religious education, home visitation and choir. Sister was never too busy to give of her time and talent to anyone in need. In June 2016, she was welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse where her joyful presence was a gift to all. Sister Bonaventure is predeceased by her parents; her sisters, Jeannette MacDonald, Helen McDonough, Rita Griffin; and her brothers, Allen and Elmer. She is survived by a nephew Edward MacDonald, as well as several other nephews and nieces. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 10:00 AM 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.