Sister Rosa Mystica Niedda, OSF died Dec. 24, 2016. She was 85.

The former Patricia Ann Niedda was born March 26, 1931, to Peter and Rose (Polo) of Niagara Falls. She joined the Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Allegany at St. Elizabeth Motherhouse in 1948 and professed final religious vows in 1955.

Sister Rosa Mystica received a bachelor's degree in education from St. Elizabeth Teachers' College, now part of St. Bonaventure University, in 1966. She went on to receive a master's degree in educational administration from Marymount College in Tarrytown in 1981.

Within the Diocese of Buffalo, she served as principal of Christ the King School in Snyder, St. John School in Olean and St. Barnabas School in Depew. Elsewhere, she taught at schools in Florida, New Jersey and Texas and served as principal of Assumption School in Pomona, N.J.

Additionally, Sister Rosa Mystica served as an administrator of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse from 2005-08, and at the Heart, Love and Soul Inc. food pantry while living in Snyder. She retired in 2015.

She is survived by a brother, John, and two nieces, Margaret and Theresa Niedda.

A funeral Mass was held in the chapel of St. Elizabeth Motherhouse, with burial in St. Bonaventure Cemetery in Allegany.