Sister Sally Walz, formerly Sister William Marie, died March 25, 2016, at age 77.

Baptized Sarah Ann Walz, she was born Oct. 24, 1938, in South Buffalo, to William M. and Alice (Sheehan) Walz. She attended Mount Mercy Academy in Buffalo, which introduced her to the Sisters of Mercy. She joined the order in 1956, shortly after high school graduation. She received a bachelors degree from Medaille College in Buffalo and a masters degree in administration from Niagara University.

Sister Sally taught at diocesan schools in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Olean and Wellsville. In 1979, she became principal of Mount Mercy Academy, where she served until 1987. That year, she began serving at Trocaire College in Buffalo in several positions at the school, including vice president of academic affairs.

Sister Sally also served as assistant coordinator for the Retirement Fund for Religious of the Diocese of Buffalo, and from 2000-13, she was director of development and alumnae at Mount Mercy Academy. She also served as an assistant director of development for the Sisters of Mercy.

During her ministry, she served on various boards of trustees and committees at Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School, Canisius College, Trocaire College, the South Buffalo Education Center, South East Mental Health Corporation V and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Her many awards and recognitions included a doctorate of letters honorary degree from Canisius College. She was the first woman to receive this honor. She was also a recipient of the Judge John Hillery Award from Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School, the Mount Mercy Academy Catherine McAuley Distinguished Alumna Award and the Bufalo Public School Mentor Recognition Award. In honor of her support of the athletic teams and department, Mount Mercy Academy named its athletic wall of fame after her.

Sister Sally was the sister of Mary Alice and William (Anne) Walz.

A funeral Mass was held in the Mercy Center Convent Chapel in Buffalo, with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna.