Sister Mary Christina Dineen, RSM, died March 20, 2017, in Mercy Center's health care unit. She was 93.

The former Catherine Cecilia Dineen was born Jan. 14, 1924, to Charles and Julia (O'Leary) Dineen, Irish immigrants who lived in Niagara Falls. After her high school graduation in 1941, she moved to Erie, Pa., to attend Mercyhurst College and pursue a degree in education.

In 1945, she joined the Buffalo community of the Religious Sisters of Mercy. After completing her formation, she received a bachelor's degree in education and master's degree in English from Canisius College in Buffalo. Sister Mary Christina also received a grant to study at Syracuse University.

For 12 years, Sister Mary Christina taught at schools in Batavia, South Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Wellsville and Olean. In 1957, she was called to participate in a mercy mission with three other sisters in the Philippines to work with the Columban community there. While living in Tubod, on the island of Mindanao, they planned to build an elementary school and began ministries in education, health care and social work.

After returning to the United States, Sister Mary Christina became principal of St. Martin School in Buffalo. She served at Madonna High School in Niagara Falls and Mount Mercy Academy in Buffalo, serving as both a faculty member and assistant principal at the latter.

Survivors include nieces, nephews and cousins.

A funeral Mass was held at Mercy Center Chapel in Buffalo.