Sister Marie McTarnaghan, who taught in Catholic schools for almost 40 years, died March 9, 2019. She was 86.

The former Elizabeth Ann McTarnaghan was born May 8, 1932, in Warsaw. She attended school from kindergarten through college at Geneseo Central. Her father, Roy, owned a car agency and her mother, Adaline, dedicated her time to the family including Elizabeth and her two brothers, Roy and Don. During her college years, Elizabeth spent summers working in the Department of Recreational Therapy at what later became Craig Development Center in the neighboring town of Sonyea.

After college, she taught for four years in the Iroquois Center School District and also completed work on a master's degree in Education at Canisius College of Buffalo.  
On Sept. 8, 1958, Elizabeth entered the Sisters of St. Francis and took the name of Sister Marie. She professed her final vows on July 1, 1964. Following entrance, Sister Marie served as a teacher and principal in the following schools: SS. Peter & Paul, Williamsville; St. Gregory the Great, Williamsville; St. Mary Elementary, Lancaster; Queen of Heaven, West Seneca; SS. Peter & Paul, Hamburg, and Most Holy Redeemer, Cheektowaga.

From 1983-1987, Sister Marie served as religious education coordinator at St. Mary Parish, Geneseo. From 1992-1999, Sister Marie served as principal at St. Aloysius School, Springville, where she retired from her almost 40 years in education. Sister Marie also had served the Sisters of St. Francis as the directress of novices from 1977-1979. Most recently, she served in community service and prayer ministry at St. Mary of the Angels motherhouse.