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ZWIJACZ -- SISTER MARY AMANDETTE ZWIJACZ 1917-2004 Felician, Sister Mary Amandette Zwijacz, passed away at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Provincial House on Tuesday, November 30, 2004. She was in her sixty-ninth year of religious life. Born in Chicago, Illinois on May 8, 1917, Mary was the daughter of Andrew and Catherine (Guzy) Zwijacz. Sister was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers, Andrew, Stanley, and Walter Zwijacz. Mary entered the congregation of the Felician Sisters in Chicago, Illinois on July 26, 1936, after completing her high school studies at Mother of Good Counsel High School, in Chicago. She received her Bachelors of Science in Education in 1949 and her Masters in Mathematics in 1956. Sister spent the first ten years in ministry, teaching in Chicago, Illinois. In 1948 she was transferred to Pomona, California where she taught grade school for three years. In 1951, she began her ministry at Pomona Catholic High School as a noted math teacher. In 1963, Sister was assigned as superior, principal and teacher at the high school. From 1966 to 1970, Sister served as the Directress of Novices in Ponca City, Oklahoma. In 1970, Sister was elected to the provincial council where she ministered until 1976. From 1971 to 1972 she ministered at St. Rita's in Fort Worth, Texas in addition to her other duties. Upon the completion of her internal ministry, Sister returned to the education ministry in Texas and later to California. From 1983 to 1989, Sister served in the administration of the province as Provincial Vicar and as the Provincial Treasurer. Sister returned to education and minister at Holy Trinity, in Los Angeles, California, from 1989 to 1991. Failing eyesight brought Sister Amandette to Rio Rancho to work at St. Felix Pantry from 1991 to 1994. In this new ministry, she shared her joy and generosity with the needy. Always a compassionate and humble person, she also served in food ministry and later as a "Sister Companion" in the infirmary. In 2001, Sister accepted her role in full-time prayer ministry. Sister had a strong devotion to the angels and to the Holy Trinity. These devotions were a source of daily strength to her and enabled her to remember constantly, the needs of the world in her prayer, especially her prayer for peace. A person with a logical and mathematical mind, Sister Amandette will be remembered for a life led by the heart, through which she forgave and gave the benefit of any doubt and always put others before herself. Her gentleness, in all she did and said, was among the many gifts she embodied during her lifetime. Rosary services are scheduled for Friday, December 3, 2004 at 7:00 pm in the Felician Sisters Chapel, 4210 Meadowlark Lane SE, Rio Rancho. Mass of the Resurrection is scheduled for 9:00 am on Saturday, December 4, 2004 at the provincial house followed by burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary Rio Rancho, New Mexico 892-9920
        Published on: Fri December 03, 2004