Remembering Sister Marcyann Kowalczyk, OSF

One of Sacred Heart Academy's most beloved teachers, Sister Marcyann Kowalczyk, passed away on Thursday, July 14, after a courageous

two year battle with cancer.  She will always be remembered for her warm smile, quick wit, and caring personality.  Everyone who had her as a global studies teacher knows she was one of the greats. 

In 1956, Sr. Marcyann joined the Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity and began her first teaching assignment at Bishop McMahon High School, before heading to New Jersey to teach at a co-ed high school.  In 1967, she returned to Buffalo to care for her mother and began teaching at Sacred Heart Academy. 

Her dedication to teaching stemmed from her belief that students were in school to learn, and it was her job to find the best way to motivate learning.  Teaching was never about a test result or a Regents score; for Sr. Marcyann it was making sure the young women entrusted to her were prepared for college and for life.  She said that her favorite part of teaching was that: “Every single student is different.  Each is a unique personality who is finding her niche.” 

In November 2009 Sacred Heart Academy bestowed the Franciscan Charism Award  to Sr. Marcyann honoring her as someone who lived the Christian virtues as exemplified by St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi.  A photo website  was designed in December 2009 to commemorate her lifetime.