Born: Mary Louise Gossin on February 26, 1934, Utica, NY.
Died: September 18, 2020, at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, Allegany, NY, of natural causes
Daughter of: Harry and Margaret Kunkel Gossin, Utica, NY.
Sister Mary Louise entered the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany on August 25, 1952, was received into the Congregation on August 15, 1953, and professed her final vows on August 16. 1960. As an Allegany Franciscan Sister for 67 years, she joyfully lived her call to reflect God’s love and mercy to all with whom she came into contact.
Sister attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Utica Catholic High School, Utica, NY, graduating in 1951. She attended St. Elizabeth Teacher College in Allegany, NY, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in History from St. Bonaventure University and a Master of Science in Education from the State University of New York, Cortland, NY.
Sr. Mary Lou served as a teacher in congregational schools in New York and New Jersey, also serving as principal and superior at St. George School in Jefferson, NY, and St. Agnes School in Blackwood, NJ.
In addition to her role in education, Sr. Mary Lou was secretary to Regional Leadership in Assumption Convent, Wood-Ridge, NJ, Christ the King Convent, Haddonfield, NJ, and in 1995 at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in Allegany, NY. After retiring in 2005 she volunteered as a receptionist at Sacred Heart Parish in Auburn, NY, and at St. Anthony Convent in New York City. In 2008, Sr. Mary Lou was warmly welcomed home to St. Elizabeth Motherhouse.
Sister is predeceased by her parents, Harry and Margaret Kunkel Gossin, brothers Robert, James, John, Daniel and a sister, Janet Gossin. She is survived by a brother, Donald Gossin and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, followed by burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany, New York. All services will be private.
Arrangements are under the direction of Letro-McIntosh-Spink Funeral Home, Inc. 646 East State Street, Olean, New York. For condolences, please visit www.letromcintoshspinkfuneralhome.com.