Obituary of Mary Clare McMaster

Born: Florence Edna McMaster on December 24, 1918, in Somerville, MA Died: Friday, March 17, 2017, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY Daughter of Arthur and Mary (Martin) McMaster of Somerville, MA Sister Mary Clare was received into the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany, NY, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse on December 8, 1946, and professed her final religious vows on December 9, 1953. She devoted herself to the life and Mission of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany for more than 70 years. Sister attended public schools in Somerville, MA, and graduated in 1936 from Somerville High School. She studied at St. Elizabeth Teachers College (now part of St. Bonaventure University), graduating with a Bachelor�s in Education in 1970, and completed a Master�s at St. Bonaventure University in 1977. Sister served in a variety of ministries throughout her religious life, which included teaching and administration in congregational schools in New Jersey, New York, Florida, and Jamaica, West Indies. From 1963 until 1971, Sr. Mary Clare lived and ministered with the Poor Clare�s in Bolivia, South America. Between 1977 and 2002, Sister served in a variety of congregational healthcare ministries as a receptionist, nurse�s aide, switchboard operator, and driver. In 2002, she assumed the responsibilities of Congregational Archivist at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, serving in that role until 2008, at which time she formally retired. Sister was a multi-talented woman who shared her gifts in the spirit of St. Francis. Sister Mary Clare was predeceased by her parents; four brothers, Albert, William, Robert, and Warren; and four sisters, Gertrude McMaster, Mary O�Brien, Lillian Oliver, and Helen House. She is survived by a sister, Dorothy McMaster of Williamsville, and many nieces and nephews. A Wake Service is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at 9 a.m. in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, NY. The funeral arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, NY.