Sr. Mary Benilda Nadolski FSSJ

January 18, 1922 - July 27, 2021

Sister Mary Benilda Nadolski died peacefully on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at St. Francis Park in Hamburg, NY, after 79 years of religious life. She was 99. Sr. Benilda was born in Westfield, MA on January 18, 1922, daughter of the late John and Anna (Burek) Nadolski. She became a postulant with the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSSJ) in 1940 and professed her final vows in 1945. Sr. Benilda received her Masters degree in English at St. Bonaventure University, Olean, NY. For sixty plus years, including twenty-five years as a school administrator, Sr. Benilda served as an educator. She began her teaching career at St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, WI, and subsequently taught at St. Theresa, Rochester; Corpus Christi, Buffalo; St. Joseph, North Tonawanda; and Holy Trinity, Niagara Falls; all in New York. She served as a school administrator at St. Hedwig, Detroit MI; Immaculata Academy, Hamburg, NY; and for many years, at Sacred Heart, Danbury, CT. Sr. Benilda completed her years of active ministry by serving in parish ministry at St. Stanislaus in Chicopee, MA before joining her Sisters in the Care Community in Hamburg in 2013 to serve in the ministry of prayer and presence. Sr. Benilda’s inspiration came from Christ’s words, “Be not afraid,” and the life and words of Mother Colette Hilbert, FSSJ founder, especially, “In all things charity.” She was spry and active in convent activities until the end of her life. In addition to being a dedicated pray-er for the needs of God’s people, Sr. Benilda enjoyed singing, dancing, visiting with her sisters, playing Bingo and attending parties. One of thirteen children, Sr. Benilda was predeceased by her many brothers and sisters. She leaves several nieces and nephews and their families, who will miss her feistiness and loving care. She will also be fondly remembered by many friends in Chicopee and Danbury, as well as in Detroit and Chicago. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, August 2 at 10AM in St. Stanislaus Basilica, Chicopee, preceded at 9AM by a gathering at Kozikowski Funeral Home, 565 Front St., Chicopee. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Westfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, 5229 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075, in memory of Sister Mary Benilda Nadolski. No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love God. ~ 1 Cor. 2:9