Sister Beverly Schleider, formerly known as Sister Mary of the Passion, died Nov. 27, 2015, in Sisters Hospital in Buffalo, at the age of 88.

Sister Beverly was born Oct. 13, 1927, in Binghamton, the daughter of Frank and Mary (Justel) Schleider. She joined the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur in 1946 and went on to teach children in elementary schools in Buffalo, Binghamton, Kenmore and Lockport before becoming active in pastoral work.

She received a bachelor's degree in education from Rosary Hill College, now Daemen College in Amherst, and resided at Mundelein College in Chicago for a sabbatical year.

She served as a religious education director in Strykersville and ministered in pastoral care at Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Buffalo. Elsewhere in New York state, Sister Beverly served at various parishes in Binghamton, Endicott in Broome County and Greenwood in Steuben County.

In Derby, Sister Beverly served residents of Killarney, a group home for adults with developmental disabilities run by the non-profit Claddagh Commission, providing them with support.

Sister Beverly is survived by a sister, Elizabeth Pantalone; nieces, nephews and their families.

A funeral Mass was held in the St. Mary Center Chapel in Buffalo.