Longtime educator Sister M. Edwardine Machnica died Feb. 17, 2018, at the age of 85.

Born Theresa Machnica in Buffalo, she entered the Buffalo Province of the Felician Sisters in 1950, professing final vows that same year. A graduate of Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, Sister Edwardine also received a bachelor's degree from Rosary Hill College. She earned a master's from State University College in Buffalo.

She began her teaching ministry St. Stanislaus School in Buffalo, and taught at many schools in the Diocese of Buffalo. She also taught in Syracuse and Rome, N.Y. she later served as principal at St. Luke School in Buffalo and Our Lady of Czestochowa-Ascension Consolidated School in North Tonawanda.

Sister Edwardine received the Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Meritorious Service to the diocesan schools in 1988. North Tonawanda Mayor Betty Hoffman proclaimed Jan. 30, 1988, to be "Sister Mary Edwardine Day in North Tonawanda."

She became a resident of the Felician Sister's Blessed Mary Angela Care center eight years ago.

She is survived by two sisters, Sister M. Francelita Machnica, CSSF, and Barbara Machnica, and a brother Walter Machnica.